Football’s biggest night is getting an entertainment upgrade unlike anything fans have seen before. For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show, bringing together some of the biggest names in global music for a performance expected to be watched by hundreds of millions—and potentially more than a billion—viewers worldwide.
The star-studded lineup blends pop, Latin music, Afrobeats, K-pop and orchestral music, transforming the FIFA World Cup final into one of the largest live entertainment events ever staged.
BTS
The K-pop superstars are set to perform “Permission to Dance,” marking their first appearance at a FIFA World Cup Final halftime show. Fresh off their ARIRANG comeback, BTS are expected to introduce millions of football fans to one of their most uplifting anthems, making it one of the most anticipated performances of the night.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber joins the lineup as one of the headline acts, returning to one of the world’s biggest stages after a relatively quiet period in live performances. His addition has further elevated excitement surrounding the inaugural halftime show.
Shakira
Few artists have a stronger connection with football than Shakira. From “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” one of the most iconic World Cup songs ever, to her recent performances at major football tournaments, the Colombian superstar returns to the sport’s biggest stage once again.
Madonna
The Queen of Pop adds decades of global hits and stadium experience to the event. Her inclusion signals FIFA’s ambition to make the first-ever halftime show as culturally significant as the match itself.
Burna Boy
Representing the global rise of Afrobeats, Burna Boy brings another musical dimension to the halftime show. His appearance highlights FIFA’s goal of showcasing artists from different regions and cultures.
Gustavo Dudamel
Acclaimed Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel will lead orchestral performances during the show, adding a cinematic element rarely seen in football entertainment.
PS22 Chorus
The internationally acclaimed PS22 Chorus, a children’s choir from New York, will also participate, bringing a community-focused and inspirational touch to the historic event.
The halftime show has been curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in partnership with Global Citizen and FIFA. Beyond entertainment, the event aims to raise awareness and funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which supports access to education and football opportunities for children around the world.
With football fans tuning in from virtually every country, the FIFA World Cup final has always been among the most-watched sporting events on Earth. This year’s addition of a blockbuster halftime concert means viewers won’t just be watching a match—they’ll be witnessing a global music festival unfolding in the middle of football’s biggest game. Whether fans come for Lionel Messi’s Argentina, Spain’s quest for glory, or the performances from BTS, Shakira, Madonna and Justin Bieber, the 2026 World Cup final is shaping up to be one of the largest live entertainment spectacles ever produced.