The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, scheduled for July 19 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium (temporarily named New York-New Jersey Stadium), will feature a halftime show with performances from several prominent artists. This event will include co-headliners Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber. The show is a new addition to the World Cup final festivities.
The halftime show is expected to potentially extend the typical 15-minute halftime break. Reports from the Times of London suggest the break could last up to 30 minutes to accommodate the production, setup, and teardown required for the performances. The laws of the game, governed by IFAB (the International Football Association Board), state that players are entitled to a break not exceeding 15 minutes, citing player welfare concerns. IFAB previously rejected calls in 2021 to extend the halftime break to 25 minutes due to potential negative impacts on player welfare from prolonged inactivity.
Halftime Show Details and Performers
The Final Halftime Show is described as a Super Bowl-style extravaganza. It aims to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative designed to raise over $100 million to expand access to soccer and education for children globally. FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated that the show will highlight this mission, calling it a celebration of football, unity, and shared humanity.
The show’s curator, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, was featured in a FIFA video in May alongside Elmo, where they discussed finding major stars for the performance. In addition to the co-headliners, other artists are set to perform. The PS22 Chorus, an elementary school choir from New York City, will take the stage with Coldplay. Singer-songwriter Burna Boy will perform with Shakira, and Gustavo Dudamel, music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, is also scheduled to appear, as are characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets.
Burna Boy expressed his privilege and responsibility in representing Africa at the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, noting that the FIFA World Cup is a moment that unites the world. Shakira, who has a history with the World Cup, including singing the anthem for the 2010 World Cup and performing at the 2006 and 2014 tournaments, returns with a new track, “Dai Dai,” featuring Burna Boy. This song, described by FIFA as a vibrant celebration of football, culture, and unity, blends Latin pop with Afrobeats. The duo also performed “Dai Dai” at the FIFA World Cup opening match in Mexico City.
Shakira mentioned that collaborating with Burna Boy was a highlight of the experience. She also emphasized that performing at the World Cup halftime show provides an opportunity to advocate for increased access to education for children. She founded her charity, the Barefoot Foundation, in 1997, which focuses on providing quality education to impoverished communities in Colombia. She stated her excitement for the stage and the chance to gather support for children’s access to education.
Pre-Game and Closing Ceremonies
The World Cup Final will also feature a closing ceremony before kickoff. Post Malone was announced on July 15 as the headliner for this ceremony. Other participants revealed for the festivities include Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and YouTuber IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson has been selected to sing the U.S. national anthem prior to the game.
The final match will see Argentina, the defending champion, face Spain. Argentina secured its spot by defeating England 2-1 in a semifinal match, scoring two late goals, including one in stoppage time. Spain advanced to the final after a 2-0 victory over France in the other semifinal. This matchup marks the first time the defending champions of Europe and South America will meet in a World Cup final. Kickoff for the final is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.
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Source: yahoo.com
