Madonna, BTS, and Shakira will headline the first-ever halftime show at a World Cup final. This marks a significant moment in the integration of music and sports on a global stage.
Key points
Madonna, BTS, and Shakira to headline halftime show
First halftime show at a World Cup final
Significant integration of music and sports
Enhances global viewing experience
Mentioned in this story
MadonnaBTSShakira
World Cup
FILE PHOTO: Shakira performs during an open concert at the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil May 2, 2026. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes/File Photo
Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez and Vin Diesel pose on the red carpet for the screening of the film "The Fast and the Furious" presented as part of Special Screenings to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Neal H. Moritz, Meadow Walker, Vin Diesel and Donna Langley pose on the red carpet for the screening of the film "The Fast and the Furious" presented as part of Special Screenings to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Neal H. Moritz, Meadow Walker and Vin Diesel pose on the red carpet for the screening of the film "The Fast and the Furious" presented as part of Special Screenings to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Q&A
Who are the headliners for the first World Cup final halftime show?
Madonna, BTS, and Shakira are set to headline the inaugural halftime show at the World Cup final.
When will the first World Cup final halftime show take place?
The exact date of the first World Cup final halftime show has not been specified, but it will occur during the next World Cup final.
What significance does the halftime show have for the World Cup?
The halftime show represents a new fusion of entertainment and sports, enhancing the viewing experience for fans worldwide.
Is this the first time a halftime show will be held at a World Cup final?
Yes, this will be the first-ever halftime show during a World Cup final, marking a historic moment in the tournament's history.
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Vin Diesel speaks to photographers on the red carpet for the screening of the film "The Fast and the Furious" presented as part of Special Screenings to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Cast members Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster attend a photocall before a Special Screening to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Director Jane Schoenbrun poses during a photocall for the film "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma" presented in the category Un Certain Regard at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Manon Cruz
Director Jane Schoenbrun and cast members Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder, Arthur Conti, Brigette Lundy-Paine of the film "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma", pose on the red carpet during arrivals for the screening of the film "La vie d'une femme" (A Woman's Life) in competition at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Manon Cruz
Director Jane Schoenbrun and cast members Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder pose during a photocall for the film "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma" presented in the category Un Certain Regard at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
Cast members Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder kiss director Jane Schoenbrun as they pose during a photocall for the film "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma" presented in the category Un Certain Regard at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
A model wears a creation from the Christian Dior Cruise 2027 collection show at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole
Models wear creations from the Christian Dior Cruise 2027 collection show at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole
A model wears a creation from the Christian Dior Cruise 2027 collection show at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole
Anya Taylor-Joy attends a photocall before the Christian Dior Cruise 2027 collection show at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole
Tracee Ellis Ross attends a photocall before the Christian Dior Cruise 2027 collection show at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole
A makeshift memorial for actor Matthew Perry, the wise-cracking co-star of the 1990s hit television sitcom "Friends," who was found dead at his Los Angeles home October 28, is pictured on Bedford Street in Manhattan in New York City, U.S., October 30, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar
Israelis watch the first Eurovision semi-final at a watch party in Kfar Saba, Israel, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Joseph Campbell
A view shows the Film Market business area during the 78th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 15, 2025. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
A Palm d'Or symbol on a bag inside the Cannes Festival official shop before the start of the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
FILE PHOTO: Signage is seen on the side of an ITV office building at Media City in Manchester, Britain, May 13, 2024. REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo
Director Guillermo del Toro poses during a photocall at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 18, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/ File Photo
New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson poses as he receives an Honorary Palme d'Or Award during the opening ceremony and the screening of the film "La Venus electrique" (The Electric Kiss) Out of competition at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson with an Honorary Palme d'Or Award during the opening ceremony and the screening of the film "La Venus electrique" (The Electric Kiss) Out of competition at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson, who was awarded with an Honorary Palme d'Or, attends the event Rendez-vous with... at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Marko Djurica
New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson, who received the Honorary Palme d'Or Award, and Mistress of Ceremonies Eye Haidara on stage during the opening ceremony and the screening of the film "La Venus electrique" (The Electric Kiss) Out of competition at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson, who will be awarded with an Honorary Palme d'Or, poses on the red carpet during arrivals for the opening ceremony and the screening of the film "La Venus electrique" (The Electric Kiss) Out of competition, at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
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FILE PHOTO: Shakira holds open concert at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro
FILE PHOTO: Shakira performs during an open concert at the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil May 2, 2026. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes/File Photo
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FILE PHOTO: Shakira holds open concert at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro
FILE PHOTO: Shakira performs during an open concert at the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil May 2, 2026. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes/File Photo
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The film "The Fast and the Furious" presented as part of Cannes Classics
Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez and Vin Diesel pose on the red carpet for the screening of the film "The Fast and the Furious" presented as part of Special Screenings to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
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The film "The Fast and the Furious" presented as part of Cannes Classics
Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Neal H. Moritz, Meadow Walker, Vin Diesel and Donna Langley pose on the red carpet for the screening of the film "The Fast and the Furious" presented as part of Special Screenings to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
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The film "The Fast and the Furious" presented as part of Cannes Classics
Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Neal H. Moritz, Meadow Walker and Vin Diesel pose on the red carpet for the screening of the film "The Fast and the Furious" presented as part of Special Screenings to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
5 / 27
The film "The Fast and the Furious" presented as part of Cannes Classics
Vin Diesel speaks to photographers on the red carpet for the screening of the film "The Fast and the Furious" presented as part of Special Screenings to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 14, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
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The 79th Cannes Film Festival - Photocall for the film "The Fast and the Furious" presented as part of Special Screenings
Cast members Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster attend a photocall before a Special Screening to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "The Fast and the Furious" franchise at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
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The 79th Cannes Film Festival - Photocall for the film "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma" presented in the category Un Certain Regard
Director Jane Schoenbrun poses during a photocall for the film "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma" presented in the category Un Certain Regard at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Manon Cruz
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The 79th Cannes Film Festival - Screening of the film "La vie d'une femme" in competition - Red Carpet Arrivals
Director Jane Schoenbrun and cast members Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder, Arthur Conti, Brigette Lundy-Paine of the film "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma", pose on the red carpet during arrivals for the screening of the film "La vie d'une femme" (A Woman's Life) in competition at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Manon Cruz
9 / 27
The 79th Cannes Film Festival - Photocall for the film "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma" presented in the category Un Certain Regard
Director Jane Schoenbrun and cast members Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder pose during a photocall for the film "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma" presented in the category Un Certain Regard at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
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The 79th Cannes Film Festival - Photocall for the film "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma" presented in the category Un Certain Regard
Cast members Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder kiss director Jane Schoenbrun as they pose during a photocall for the film "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma" presented in the category Un Certain Regard at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
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Dior Cruise 2027 collection show in Los Angeles
A model wears a creation from the Christian Dior Cruise 2027 collection show at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole
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Dior Cruise 2027 collection show in Los Angeles
Models wear creations from the Christian Dior Cruise 2027 collection show at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole
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Dior Cruise 2027 collection show in Los Angeles
A model wears a creation from the Christian Dior Cruise 2027 collection show at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole
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Dior Cruise 2027 collection show in Los Angeles
Anya Taylor-Joy attends a photocall before the Christian Dior Cruise 2027 collection show at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole
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Dior Cruise 2027 collection show in Los Angeles
Tracee Ellis Ross attends a photocall before the Christian Dior Cruise 2027 collection show at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole
16 / 27
Makeshift memorial for actor Matthew Perry in New York
A makeshift memorial for actor Matthew Perry, the wise-cracking co-star of the 1990s hit television sitcom "Friends," who was found dead at his Los Angeles home October 28, is pictured on Bedford Street in Manhattan in New York City, U.S., October 30, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar
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First semi-final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, in Vienna
Israelis watch the first Eurovision semi-final at a watch party in Kfar Saba
Israelis watch the first Eurovision semi-final at a watch party in Kfar Saba, Israel, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Joseph Campbell
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The 78th Cannes Film Festival - The Film Market
A view shows the Film Market business area during the 78th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 15, 2025. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe
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The 78th Cannes Film Festival - The Film Market
A Palm d'Or symbol on a bag inside the Cannes Festival official shop before the start of the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
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FILE PHOTO: Signage is seen on the side of an ITV office building at Media City in Manchester, Britain
FILE PHOTO: Signage is seen on the side of an ITV office building at Media City in Manchester, Britain, May 13, 2024. REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo
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The 78th Cannes Film Festival - Photocall for Music Lesson With... event
Director Guillermo del Toro poses during a photocall at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 18, 2025. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/ File Photo
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The 79th Cannes Film Festival - Opening ceremony
New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson poses as he receives an Honorary Palme d'Or Award during the opening ceremony and the screening of the film "La Venus electrique" (The Electric Kiss) Out of competition at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
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The 79th Cannes Film Festival - Opening ceremony
New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson with an Honorary Palme d'Or Award during the opening ceremony and the screening of the film "La Venus electrique" (The Electric Kiss) Out of competition at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
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The 79th Cannes Film Festival - Rendez-vous with... Peter Jackson
New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson, who was awarded with an Honorary Palme d'Or, attends the event Rendez-vous with... at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 13, 2026. REUTERS/Marko Djurica
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The 79th Cannes Film Festival - Opening ceremony
New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson, who received the Honorary Palme d'Or Award, and Mistress of Ceremonies Eye Haidara on stage during the opening ceremony and the screening of the film "La Venus electrique" (The Electric Kiss) Out of competition at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
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The 79th Cannes Film Festival - Opening ceremony - Red Carpet Arrivals
New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson, who will be awarded with an Honorary Palme d'Or, poses on the red carpet during arrivals for the opening ceremony and the screening of the film "La Venus electrique" (The Electric Kiss) Out of competition, at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 12, 2026. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
May 14 (Reuters) - Madonna and Shakira will line up with K-pop supergroup BTS to headline the first-ever World Cup final halftime show at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, FIFA said on Thursday.
Coldplay singer Chris Martin will curate the extravaganza scheduled for July 19, the tournament's organiser added.
"The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final halftime show will be a truly special moment, bringing together music, football and a shared commitment to improving the lives of children around the world," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on social media.
"Together, we will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and help create greater access to quality education and football for children worldwide."
The 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19. The tournament will feature 104 matches, up from the previous 64, including an additional knockout round.
Last year's Club World Cup in North America, which served as a test run for the World Cup, also featured a halftime show including performances from American rapper Doja Cat, Colombian singer J Balvin and Nigerian singer Tems.
(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
