MANILA, Philippines — The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced on Thursday, May 14, that BTS, Shakira, and Madonna will headline the first halftime show at the FIFA World Cup Finals on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
FIFA released a teaser video led by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, which also featured characters from The Muppets, including Elmo, Cookie Monster, Kermit, Ms. Piggy, and Animal. The organization said Martin curated the lineup.
FIFA stated in the video description that BTS, Shakira, and Madonna will co-headline the halftime performance at the World Cup final.
The organization said the halftime show will support the Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million for education and football programs for children worldwide. FIFA added that $1 from every ticket sold to World Cup 2026 matches will go to the fund.
BTS previously participated in FIFA-related events, including member Jung Kook’s performance at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar. The group is currently on their “ARIRANG” world tour, with scheduled performances at Stanford Stadium on May 16 and 17.
Madonna is preparing for the release of her album “Confessions on a Dance Floor: Part II” in July. Shakira recently performed a free concert on Copacabana Beach in Brazil, which drew large attendance.
