Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber will perform during the halftime and closing ceremonies of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final [1].
The event marks a strategic shift for FIFA, which is partnering with Global Citizen and music curator Chris Martin to transform the championship match into a global entertainment spectacle. By blending elite athletics with a high-profile musical lineup, the organization aims to maximize the global appeal of the tournament's conclusion.
The performances are scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026 [2], at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey [3]. The venue, which holds 82,500 seats [4], will serve as the epicenter for the culmination of a tournament featuring 48 national teams [5].
"The halftime show will feature Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Shakira, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and produced in partnership with Global Citizen," a FIFA entertainment director said [1].
While the halftime segment focuses on these four primary acts, other reports indicate the broader closing ceremony may include appearances by Tom Cruise, IShowSpeed, Nicole Scherzinger, and Jennifer Hudson [6]. This multi-layered approach is intended to capture a diverse international audience across different demographics and genres.
"Fans can expect a star-studded lineup that turns the World Cup final into a global music event," the Yahoo Sports editorial team said [7].
The collaboration with Global Citizen suggests that the entertainment segment may also incorporate social or humanitarian themes, aligning the sporting event with global advocacy efforts. This integration of pop culture and activism is a hallmark of Martin's previous curation work with the organization.
“The halftime show will feature Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Shakira”
The decision to curate the World Cup final's entertainment through Chris Martin and Global Citizen indicates that FIFA is moving toward a 'Super Bowl' model of sports broadcasting. By prioritizing a curated, multi-genre musical experience over traditional national anthems or local performances, FIFA is attempting to maintain viewership and cultural relevance long after the final whistle, treating the match as a global media property rather than just a sporting event.
