Madonna, Shakira and K-pop supergroup BTS are set to headline a historic half-time show at the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey this summer, marking the first time such a performance will take place during a World Cup final.
The match, scheduled for 19 July, will conclude the tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA has confirmed that the event will feature a Super Bowl-style entertainment segment during the half-time break, a major shift from traditional football presentation formats.
The lineup brings together three of the biggest global music names from different generations and regions. Madonna, often referred to as the “Queen of Pop,” remains one of the best-selling female artists in history and is preparing new music as part of her ongoing return to the stage. Shakira, a long-time World Cup favourite, is also expected to feature her new official tournament song, continuing her legacy of football-linked global hits. BTS, one of the most successful K-pop groups in history, will add a strong youth and global fan base appeal to the event as they resume international touring following their military service break.
FIFA officials say the half-time show is designed to elevate the World Cup final into a broader global entertainment spectacle. The segment has been curated with the involvement of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who has been working on the musical direction of the event. Organisers say the aim is to merge sport and music on an unprecedented scale for the tournament’s closing match.
The show is also linked to a fundraising initiative for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise around 100 million US dollars to support education programmes for children worldwide. Officials describe it as part of a wider effort to use the global reach of football to support social development projects.
Shakira’s involvement continues her long association with FIFA tournaments. She previously delivered one of the most iconic World Cup anthems with “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” during the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Her return adds a sense of continuity to FIFA’s musical branding strategy.
Madonna’s participation brings decades of pop influence to the stage. She recently made a high-profile appearance at the Coachella festival and continues to work on new releases. Her presence signals FIFA’s intention to blend legacy global stars with contemporary performers.
BTS, meanwhile, remain one of the most influential music acts worldwide, with massive record sales and global streaming dominance. Their inclusion reflects FIFA’s growing focus on Asian audiences and the expanding global footprint of K-pop. The group is currently preparing for an extensive world tour, making their World Cup appearance part of a busy international schedule.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the planned show as a “historic moment” for the tournament, saying it will match the scale and spectacle of the world’s biggest sporting event. He said the World Cup final should be a global celebration that extends beyond football alone.
