For the first time, FIFA is treating the World Cup Final's halftime show as a genuine cultural moment rather than an afterthought.
When the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the halftime entertainment will feature Shakira, Madonna and BTS, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin. The lineup represents a significant departure from previous World Cup halftime shows, which have featured artists like Carlos Santana and Wyclef Jean in 2014 and Will Smith in 2018.
The halftime show will raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, channeling the tournament's platform toward improving educational access and football opportunities for children worldwide.
"This lineup represents the cultural fabric of America itself—a reflection of the nation's diasporas and its undeniable influence on global pop culture," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said of the entertainment strategy.
The entertainment strategy extends across the entire tournament. The opening ceremony in Los Angeles on June 12 will feature Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema and Tyla at SoFi Stadium. Canada's opening ceremony will include Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé and Jessie Reyez, while Mexico's will showcase J Balvin, Maná and Los Ángeles Azules.
Shakira is also releasing the tournament's official song, "Dai Dai," this week.
The 2026 tournament will be the first time since 1994 that the World Cup returns to the United States. It will feature over 100 matches across 16 stadiums spread throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, with more than 1.2 million fans expected to attend matches in New York and New Jersey alone.
The tournament kicks off June 11 in Mexico with El Tri facing South Africa, followed by the opening ceremony in Los Angeles on June 12. The USMNT will take the field in Los Angeles against Paraguay on June 16, followed by matches against Australia in Seattle and Turkey in Los Angeles.
FOX will broadcast every match of the tournament.
