Global icons Madonna and Shakira are set to headline the inaugural World Cup final halftime show, expected to captivate millions of fans worldwide. The lineup for this landmark event was unveiled by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in a social media video featuring beloved characters from Sesame Street, the Muppets, and K-pop sensation BTS. Scheduled to take place on July 19 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, the highly anticipated show is curated by Martin himself.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who shared event details via an Instagram post, announced the show’s plans last year, expecting an estimated 7 million fans in attendance and a global TV audience exceeding one billion viewers. The halftime spectacle may extend beyond the usual 15 minutes, following the record-breaking 2022 Final between France and Argentina, which drew 1.42 billion viewers globally, with an average live audience of 175 million viewers for the tournament overall.
This year’s halftime show aims to support the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund, striving to raise $100 million to enhance access to education and soccer for children globally. Halftime entertainment has become a prominent feature at major sporting events in the United States, mirroring the spectacle seen during the Super Bowl.
Notably, Madonna headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2012, while Shakira graced the stage alongside Jennifer Lopez in 2020. Last summer, Fifa showcased a halftime performance at the MetLife Stadium during the Club World Cup final, where Chelsea triumphed over Paris St. Germain 3-0.
The upcoming World Cup, featuring 48 teams, will commence on June 11 and will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
