The FIFA World Cup final is preparing for a format shift that places music at center stage. For the first time, the championship match will feature a halftime show, bringing together global music icons Shakira, BTS, and Madonna.
The event also includes appearances from “Sesame Street” and “The Muppets,” adding a surprising entertainment mix to football’s biggest night. The showcase is designed as a global moment that blends sport, music, and storytelling on one of the most watched stages worldwide.
Traditionally, the World Cup final has kept halftime strictly limited, usually around 15 minutes with no major performances on the pitch. Music acts have appeared before kickoff, but the middle break has stayed focused on the game.
This change has sparked discussion among fans who see it as a shift in the tournament’s rhythm. Some concerns point toward a Super Bowl-style format, raising questions about whether the flow of the match could be affected.
Critics also note the growing influence of entertainment-driven elements in a competition known for its sporting purity.
Global Lineup and Creative Vision
The show is produced by Global Citizen and curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, who previously worked on the Club World Cup final in summer 2025. The announcement featured Martin alongside Elmo, setting a playful tone for the reveal video.
A key focus behind the event is the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million to support education and football access for children worldwide.
Shakira shared her perspective in a press release: “I’ve spent my life doing two things—making songs and building schools. At the FIFA World Cup, those two paths come together. Standing alongside Madonna and BTS, I’ll be performing ‘Dai Dai,’ the song I created for this World Cup and for the kids around the world we will reach with the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. My hope is that on the world’s biggest stage, the importance of investing in children’s education steals the show!”
Madonna and BTS join her in headlining a lineup designed for global reach.
Date, Venue, and Viewing Details
The FIFA World Cup final takes place on July 19. The venue is MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The stadium carries the temporary name New York/New Jersey Stadium during the tournament due to FIFA sponsorship rules.
In the United States, Fox Sports and Telemundo broadcast the match live. Millions of viewers are expected to tune in from across the world.
The World Cup final halftime show marks a clear shift in how the event blends sport and entertainment. FIFA brings together Shakira, BTS, and Madonna for a shared global stage. The addition of Sesame Street and The Muppets adds a family-friendly layer.
At the same time, the initiative connects the spectacle to education through the Global Citizen Education Fund, placing social impact alongside football’s biggest moment.
