Colombian singer Shakira will once again make history in world football after being confirmed as one of the main performers of the first halftime show to be held during a FIFA World Cup final. The artist will headline the spectacle alongside Madonna and South Korean group BTS during the 2026 World Cup final, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The performance will mark a historic moment for the world’s biggest football tournament, as it will be the first time in the 97-year history of the World Cup that a musical halftime show inspired by the American Super Bowl format will take place.
According to information from international media outlets, the show will be produced by the organization Global Citizen and will feature artistic direction by Chris Martin, the lead singer of the band Coldplay. In addition to its entertainment component, the event will also have a social impact objective and aims to raise US$100 million for education and youth sports programs through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
FIFA also confirmed that the traditional 15-minute halftime break of the match will be extended to allow for the technical setup and performance, which is expected to last between 15 and 25 minutes.
Shakira and her legacy as the ultimate World Cup artist
Shakira’s participation in the show further strengthens her close connection to World Cup history. The Colombian star is already considered one of the most representative musical figures associated with the tournament thanks to the global success of songs such as Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) and La La La (Brazil 2014).
Recently, the singer also introduced “Dai Dai,” a song linked to the 2026 World Cup that expands her legacy within international football events. FIFA even described her as a “World Cup icon,” highlighting her ability to connect Latin music with global audiences.
For many football and music fans, Shakira’s presence represents one of the biggest attractions of the event due to the enormous international popularity she has maintained throughout more than three decades of her artistic career.
Madonna and BTS will bring musical diversity to the global event
The show will also bring together two of the most influential musical acts of recent decades. Madonna, considered one of the most important pop artists in history, will contribute the classic and generational component of the event, while BTS will represent the global K-pop phenomenon and the massive cultural influence of Asian music.
The combination of Latin pop, American pop, and Korean music reflects FIFA’s intention to transform the 2026 World Cup final into a spectacle designed for international and multigenerational audiences.