FIFA has revealed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup final will include a Super Bowl-style halftime concert for the first time in history. The historic event will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
The star-studded performance will be headlined by global icons Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop group BTS. The show is curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and aims to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to raise $100 million to provide children with access to education and soccer opportunities.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the significance of the event, stating:
"Every child should have the opportunity to dream, and together we can help make that possible."
Infantino shared this message on Instagram, highlighting the fusion of music and football for a meaningful cause.
The halftime show is designed to be a singular moment at the intersection of sport, culture, and purpose, broadcast live to a global audience. This format mirrors the Super Bowl’s legendary halftime performances, which have featured legends like Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, and Bad Bunny this year.
While halftime shows are common in American football, they remain rare in soccer. Major soccer events, such as the UEFA Champions League final, typically feature pre-match concerts instead. For example, The Killers will headline this year’s Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in Budapest.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches scheduled throughout June and July.
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