Madonna, Shakira and BTS set to headline first-ever halftime show at FIFA World Cup 2026

Madonna, Shakira and BTS have been named as the headliners for the first-ever halftime show at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

On Wednesday, the official FIFA World Cup Instagram account announced that the three musical acts will hit the stage during the final halftime show, which is set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

“The world’s biggest stage. An even bigger purpose,” they captioned the post.

“On July 19, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Halftime Show is coming to New York New Jersey Stadium, featuring superstars @madonna, @shakira, and @bts.bighitofficial,” they added.

FIFA World Cup also announced that the show will be curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.

The premier international soccer tournament also shared that the halftime show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, “a landmark initiative working to raise $100 USD million to expand access to quality education and football for children around the world.

“Throughout the tournament, USD 1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches will be donated to the Fund,” they announced.

Martin, 49, also shared the news with the help of a few Sesame Street characters, including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Kermit and more.

“It’s a chance to show how amazing all different kinds of humans are. And monsters, aliens — it’s one big family, really,” the pop star said.

In the clip, the “Hymn for the Weekend” crooner and Elmo Facetimed BTS members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook to ask if they would join them on July 29 to perform.

The FIFA World Cup is being hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada and is set to begin on June 11 when Mexico takes on South Africa.

Acts such as Tyla, Katy Perry, Future, Lisa, J Balvin and Michael Bublé were announced as performers at some of the opening ceremonies of the tournament.