FIFA confirms Bieber, Coldplay and others for World Cup halftime show
FIFA has unveiled an 11-minute halftime spectacle for the 2026 World Cup final, curated by Chris Martin to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
FIFA has confirmed the final lineup for the inaugural World Cup halftime show, a landmark addition to the tournament’s championship match scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026. The performance will take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, during the interval of the final game.
The headline roster features pop stars Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and the group BTS. The production is curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who has designed the 11-minute performance to mirror the scale of a Super Bowl-style spectacle. Beyond the four co-headliners, the show will include appearances by Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus. Coldplay is also slated to perform, while the segment will further feature appearances by characters from The Muppets and Sesame Street.
Media additions
FIFA formally announced Justin Bieber as the final co-headliner. Reflecting on his inclusion, the artist highlighted the event's broader social objective.
"The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can. I’m grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world."
Justin Bieber, artist, via Inside FIFA
The event serves as the centerpiece for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at raising $100 million to broaden access to education and football opportunities for children. According to official statements, more than $50 million has been raised to date, a total bolstered by the donation of $1 from every ticket sold for the 2026 tournament matches. FIFA has previously awarded initial grants to organizations in ten countries to support community-led models that combine education and sport.
The upcoming performance is produced by Global Citizen in partnership with Live Nation and Done + Dusted. While official football regulations govern a break of 15 minutes, organizers are considering an extension to accommodate the 11-minute musical set and the associated production logistics. Some reports suggest the break could be extended to 30 minutes in total, although the International Football Association Board has previously expressed concerns regarding player welfare and safety during extended periods of inactivity.
The inclusion of Burna Boy, who performs the tournament’s official anthem alongside Shakira, adds to the global focus of the production. As the tournament approaches its conclusion, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has characterized the halftime show as a celebration of football, music, and shared values. The initiative aims to leave a legacy that persists beyond the final whistle, with players throughout the later stages of the tournament wearing "Unite for Education" sleeve patches to raise awareness for the ongoing fundraising effort.
The event is slated for a 15:00 ET kickoff at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with the halftime spectacle expected to follow shortly thereafter. Performers for the show are not being paid, a practice consistent with similar high-profile halftime productions in the United States.
As the tournament reaches its final stages, the focus remains on the upcoming championship match. Players and fans alike prepare for the conclusion of the event on 19 July 2026.
