Global Citizen Announces Madonna, Shakira, and BTS to Headline First-Ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show

Global Citizen (Headquarters: New York, USA) and FIFA have announced that Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ final halftime show on Sunday, July 19, 2026 (US time) at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. This halftime show will be curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay. For the first time in FIFA World Cup™ history, a halftime show will be introduced at the final match, bringing together world-renowned artists for a special moment where sports, culture, and the purpose of transforming society intersect, broadcast live to the world.

This halftime show is part of the 'FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund,' an initiative aiming to raise $100 million to expand opportunities for children worldwide to access quality education and soccer. The fund has already raised over $30 million, and the movement will be further expanded with a mechanism where $1 from every ticket sold for FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches will be donated.

Additionally, characters from 'Sesame Street,' who have brought the joy of learning to children across generations, will also appear to liven up the halftime show and call for support for the goal of providing quality education to children worldwide. Furthermore, unique characters from The Walt Disney Company's movie 'The Muppets,' such as Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, will also join.

Madonna stated: 'Performing at the FIFA World Cup final to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund means a great deal to me. Without education, children's potential is cut off before they even get a chance. Every child has the right to a quality education because it expands their potential and continues to create positive change.'

Shakira, who is also a board member of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, said: 'I have spent my life making songs and building schools. At this FIFA World Cup, these two efforts come together. I will stand on stage with Madonna and BTS to perform 'Dai DAI,' a song created for this tournament and for the children around the world supported through the fund. I hope the world's biggest stage brings attention to the importance of supporting children's education!'

BTS commented: 'Music can be called a universal language that brings hope and harmony. We are honored to connect with millions of viewers around the world through the power of music on the World Cup stage and to support children's education.'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: 'Madonna, Shakira, and BTS are global icons who create music loved across borders and generations. We are proud to welcome them to the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin. This historic show at the biggest match in football, in New York/New Jersey on July 19, 2026, will also shine a light on our mission to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and expand quality education and soccer opportunities for children worldwide. This show is a celebration of football, unity, and our shared humanity, and its impact will resonate long after the final whistle.'

Global Citizen Co-Founder & CEO Hugh Evans stated: 'The FIFA World Cup is the most unifying event on the planet. Together with FIFA and curator Chris Martin of Coldplay, we wanted to create the first-ever halftime show with the primary goal of delivering lasting support for the future of children around the world. By uniting global artists, the stage of football, and a strong commitment to education, we want to turn this into an opportunity to support children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. We hope this historic moment will impact millions of precious lives a decade from now.'