Robbie Williams is reportedly set to perform at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final halftime show, joining a star-studded lineup that includes Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and BTS. The 11-minute show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, will take place on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Details of the Performance
According to a source quoted by The Sun, Williams will perform the official FIFA anthem 'Desire' alongside Italian popstar Laura Pausini. The duo previously performed the song at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in July 2025. The source said: 'Robbie loves football and is excited to play at this momentous gig. Of course, he hopes England will be one of the teams in the final.'
Supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund
The halftime show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Shakira and Burna Boy are expected to perform their song 'Dai Dai', the official anthem for the 2026 World Cup. The show will feature a mix of global music icons, with Chris Martin describing it as 'a chance to show how amazing all different kinds of humans are.'
Reactions and Criticism
Not everyone is thrilled about the new halftime show tradition. Oasis star Noel Gallagher expressed his disapproval in an interview with TalkSport, saying: 'I'm doing the half-time raffle for a leg of lamb. I don't like changes in football... I don't like the razzmatazz of football; it's been functioning perfectly for hundreds of years.' He also questioned the performers' connections to football.
The World Cup final will feature the winner of the semi-finals, with France, Spain, England, and Argentina still in contention. The second semi-final will determine the final matchup by Wednesday night.
