The FIFA World Cup Final is getting the Super Bowl half-time show treatment – and FIFA is going all in.
Madonna, BTS and Shakira are set to share the pitch at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, turning half-time into one of the biggest crossover spectacles in sports and pop culture.
A FIFA-backed spectacle
FIFA president Gianni Infantino first teased the event in March 2025, calling it a landmark moment for the tournament.
The star-studded line-up was confirmed on Thursday, May 14, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin curating the show.
The performance will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million for children’s education initiatives worldwide.
MORE WORLD CUP NEWS: World Cup 2026: Not one, but three – WC set to host a trilogy of opening ceremonies
After ‘Waka Waka’ comes ‘Dai Dai’
Shakira is no stranger to the World Cup stage.
The Colombian singer previously fronted the iconic 2010 anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” and also performed during the 2006 and 2014 finals.
This time, she returns with “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 World Cup, featuring Nigerian artist Burna Boy.
A 67-second teaser released ahead of the announcement showed Shakira holding the “Trionda,” the tournament’s official match ball, while performing snippets of the song inside Brazil’s legendary Maracanã Stadium.
Meanwhile, BTS’ involvement marks one of the group’s biggest global appearances since resuming large-scale activities.
Madonna’s inclusion adds another stadium-scale veteran to a line-up already built for spectacle.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Baller League UK: Controversies, clashes and chaos ahead of final matchday
Not football’s first half-time show
While this marks the first official FIFA World Cup Final half-time concert, football has already flirted with the format in recent years.
Shakira herself headlined the 2024 Copa América half-time show at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
Last year’s FIFA Club World Cup – also held at MetLife Stadium – featured performances from J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly that briefly extended the match break.
The move shows how football is leaning harder into spectacle, especially for younger fans used to concerts, viral moments, and entertainment beyond the match itself.
READ NEXT: Jacob Fatu stands tall despite failing to capture World Heavyweight Championship at WWE ‘Backlash’
Vivien Bernardino 
Newsjustnews writers 
Elan Castanares