Global superstars Madonna, Shakira, and South Korean boy band BTS are set to headline the first-ever World Cup final half-time show, a landmark performance curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. The announcement was made via a social media video featuring characters from Sesame Street and the Muppets, with Martin revealing the star-studded line-up.
Event Details
The World Cup final is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 19, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who also shared details of the event in an Instagram post, first announced plans for the half-time show in March last year. The inclusion of such a high-profile performance could extend the customary 15-minute half-time interval.
Charitable Initiative
The show will be staged in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at raising 100 million US dollars to expand access to education and football for children around the world. This aligns with the growing trend of using major sporting events to promote social causes.
Half-Time Entertainment Tradition
Half-time entertainment has become a major feature of sporting events in the United States, particularly during the Super Bowl. Madonna previously headlined the Super Bowl half-time show in 2012, while Shakira shared the stage with Jennifer Lopez at the event in 2020. Last summer, FIFA staged a half-time show at the MetLife Stadium during the Club World Cup final, where Chelsea defeated Paris St Germain 3-0.
World Cup Expansion
The biggest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams, kicks off on June 11 and is being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This marks the first time the tournament will be held in three countries simultaneously.
