FIFA has confirmed the first ever World Cup final half-time show, which will be co-headlined by Madonna, Shakira, and BTS. The announcement was made early on Thursday morning, marking a historic moment for the tournament.
Artists Selected by Chris Martin
The lineup was chosen by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who revealed the artists in a social media video featuring characters from Sesame Street and the Muppets. He told Elmo: "It's a chance to show how amazing all different kinds of humans are." The blend of Latin, pop, and Korean music is intended to reflect global sounds.
Star Power and Previous Performances
Madonna, a seven-time Grammy winner, headlined the Super Bowl halftime show in 2012. Shakira, a four-time Grammy winner, shared the Super Bowl stage with Jennifer Lopez in 2020. BTS became the first K-pop group to receive a Grammy nomination. The concept, common in the NFL, will now be introduced to football as North America combines sport with high-profile entertainment.
Extended Half-Time Break
The half-time break during the final is expected to be longer than the standard 15 minutes. A trial half-time show took place at MetLife Stadium last summer during the FIFA Club World Cup final, where Chelsea beat PSG. That show featured Doja Cat, Tems, and J Balvin, with a stage built into the stands. There is speculation that the pitch could be used this summer, altering football's traditional schedule. In the Club World Cup final, the half-time break lasted over 24 minutes.
Impact on Teams and Broadcasters
Coaches will need to adjust their team talks due to the longer break, while sports scientists must consider the impact on players. Broadcasters will have an extended half-time period, affecting their programming schedules.
Event Details
The World Cup final will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The half-time show is a collaboration between FIFA and Global Citizen, aiming to showcase diversity and entertainment on a global stage.
