Global music stars Madonna, Shakira and K-pop group BTS are set to headline the first Super Bowl-style half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final, in what organisers say marks a historic expansion of entertainment at football’s biggest event.
The performance will take place during the World Cup final scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey, at the end of the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
According to reports, the half-time show is expected to last around 11 minutes, though it could extend beyond 15 minutes. However, FIFA rules state that the interval should not exceed 15 minutes.
This will be the first time a World Cup final features a large-scale curated half-time entertainment show, modelled after the Super Bowl format, aiming to blend global music and football on one stage.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the initiative as a landmark moment for the tournament, calling it a step toward elevating the World Cup’s global entertainment appeal.
Shakira, who previously performed at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, is also expected to release a new tournament song featuring Nigerian artist Burna Boy.
Madonna is preparing for the release of her latest studio album, while BTS continues its global comeback following a break for military service.
The show will be curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and will also support FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to improve access to education for children worldwide.
The move reflects FIFA’s growing effort to combine sport and entertainment on a global scale, turning the World Cup final into both a sporting and cultural spectacle.
