Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime show on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay complete the lineup, with Coldplay’s Chris Martin as curator.
The final between Spain and Argentina kicks off at 3:00 p.m. ET on FOX and Telemundo. It is the first time in 96 years of World Cup history that a final features a Super Bowl-style halftime performance, with proceeds supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
Quick Facts About the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show
- Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
- Final Matchup: Spain vs Argentina
- Kickoff: 3:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. BST / 9:00 p.m. CEST)
- Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), East Rutherford, NJ
- Stadium Capacity: 82,500
- Co-Headliners: Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber
- Also Appearing: Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay, the Muppets, New York Philharmonic, Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra
- Curator: Chris Martin (Coldplay)
- Producer: Global Citizen with Live Nation and Done + Dusted
- Show Length: 11 minutes (halftime interval extended to 20-30 minutes)
- Stage Design: Lightweight quick-install staging that protects the pitch
- Closing Ceremony: 1:30 p.m. ET with Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, and more
- National Anthem: Jennifer Hudson
- US Broadcast: FOX (English), Telemundo/Peacock (Spanish)
- Cause: FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund ($60M+ raised toward $100M goal)
- Projected Final Viewership: 1.6+ billion globally
Who is Performing at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show?
Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber co-headline the halftime performance. FIFA and Global Citizen announced the original trio on May 14, 2026 in a social video featuring Chris Martin with Sesame Street and Muppets characters, then added Bieber as a fourth co-headliner on July 8. The lineup spans five music regions: the United States, Latin America, South Korea, Canada, and Africa.
Madonna
The Queen of Pop is the best-selling female recording artist of all time per Guinness World Records, with over 300 million records sold and seven Grammy wins. Her new album Confessions II releases just days before her return to a major halftime stage 14 years after Super Bowl XLVI. For setlist predictions, career stats, and her record-setting 2012 Super Bowl history, see Madonna’s full World Cup 2026 halftime show breakdown.
Shakira
The Colombian superstar has the deepest FIFA history of the four headliners, with appearances at the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups. Her “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” holds the Guinness World Record for most streamed World Cup song on Spotify. Her new single “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy is the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song. See our official “Dai Dai” song explainer for lyrics and meaning, plus Shakira’s complete World Cup 2026 halftime show profile for her full FIFA history.
BTS
The seven-member group makes history as the first K-pop act on a World Cup halftime stage, fresh off their Arirang comeback that produced their 7th Hot 100 number one and 7th consecutive Billboard 200 number-one album. Member Jungkook performed “Dreamers” at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar. For all seven members and the full reunion story, see the BTS World Cup 2026 halftime show member lineup.
Justin Bieber
The Canadian pop superstar joined as the fourth co-headliner on July 8, 2026. Bieber brings 8 Hot 100 number-one singles and over 150 million records sold. His 2025 comeback albums Swag and Swag II earned a 2026 Grammy Album of the Year nomination, and his April 2026 Coachella sets became the most-viewed in festival history with 147 million global views.
Supporting acts
Burna Boy appears as “Dai Dai” continues charting worldwide. Gustavo Dudamel conducts the New York Philharmonic and Venezuela’s Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra performing together for the first time in history, a tribute to Venezuela’s resilience following its recent earthquakes, per Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans.
The PS22 Chorus, the Webby Award-winning choir of 4th and 5th graders from a Staten Island public school, performs featuring Coldplay, and the Muppets also appear, reinforcing the show’s education-focused mission.
What Time Does the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show Start?
Kickoff is 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 19. Halftime arrives after 45 minutes plus stoppage time, putting the halftime show start at approximately 3:50 to 3:55 p.m. ET. The performance runs 11 minutes, but FIFA has agreed to extend the total halftime interval to 20 to 30 minutes for staging, roughly double soccer’s standard 15-minute break.
The 3:00 p.m. ET start allows prime-time viewing across Europe: 8:00 p.m. in the UK and 9:00 p.m. across Central Europe. In Asia and Australia, the final airs in the early morning hours of July 20 local time.
The matchup itself is historic. Reigning champion Argentina, led by Lionel Messi in his expected World Cup farewell, seeks to become the first back-to-back winner since Brazil in 1962. Spain, powered by Lamine Yamal, chases its second title after 2010. The two nations have never met in a World Cup final.
World Cup 2026 Final Closing Ceremony and National Anthem
Before the halftime show, the FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. ET, celebrating the 48-team tournament across 16 host cities. Post Malone headlines per multiple reports, with FIFA confirming performances from Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed, plus a special appearance by Tom Cruise.
Jennifer Hudson performs the United States national anthem ahead of kickoff. FIFA has urged ticket holders to arrive early, noting fans have “an active role to play in the show.” Combined with the halftime performance, the final features two full live productions in one afternoon, a first in World Cup history.
Where Will the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show Stage Be?
Producers Done + Dusted have confirmed a lightweight, quick-install staging approach designed to leave the pitch exactly as they find it. Unlike the Super Bowl’s heavy field-built stages, executive producer Guy Carrington told Variety the team spent months planning with FIFA on “how we can bring it in and how we can take it out,” down to lightweight camera systems, specialized cart wheels, and even crew footwear.
“The match is the most important thing here,” Carrington said, noting most rehearsal time focuses on rapid load-in and load-out within the extended 20-to-30-minute interval. Pyrotechnics and lighting elements are pre-installed in the days before the match.
The venue has precedent for creative staging. At the FIFA Club World Cup final in July 2025 at this same stadium, Global Citizen built a 40,000-pound multi-level stage in the upper stands for J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and a surprise Coldplay appearance, keeping the newly installed grass untouched. Whichever configuration FIFA reveals Sunday, protecting the playing surface drives every staging decision.
How to Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show: TV Channels & Live Stream
United States: FOX airs the final free over the air in English, with a special four-hour pregame show starting at 11:00 a.m. ET. Spanish-language coverage runs on Telemundo, also free with an antenna. The halftime show is part of the regular match broadcast on every platform, so no separate stream is needed.
US streaming: FOX One streams the final live in 4K ($19.99/month, no cable required). The FOX Sports app carries the English stream with a TV provider login, and FIFA World Cup Now on FOX platforms streams live pregame, halftime, and postgame coverage. Peacock Premium ($10.99/month) carries the Spanish stream. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Sling Blue include FOX and Telemundo in most markets.
International broadcasters:
| Country | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | BBC, ITV (free via iPlayer and ITVX) |
| Canada | TSN (English), RDS (French) |
| Mexico | TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca |
| Australia | SBS |
| Spain | RTVE |
| Italy | RAI |
| Germany | ARD or ZDF |
The final airs free on most of these networks, including BBC, ITV, TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca, SBS, RTVE, and RAI.
Central Park Watch Party and Times Square Takeover
The largest official watch party takes place on Central Park’s Great Lawn, where 50,000 fans will watch the final and halftime show on three large LED screens. Doors open at 12:00 p.m. ET with live entertainment, DJs, and local food vendors before kickoff.
Admission is free, but tickets were distributed through a Global Citizen lottery that ran June 11 to July 16 and is now closed. Twenty percent of tickets went to local NYC nonprofits, youth soccer programs, and NYC Service volunteers. Charlamagne Tha God and Elvis Duran emcee, with iHeartRadio as media partner. Global Citizen also partnered with DoorDash to give the first 10,000 arriving ticket holders a free meal voucher.
FIFA is also taking over Times Square during the final weekend of July 18 and 19, with programming around both the France vs England third-place match and the final. FIFA Fan Festival sites in the 16 host cities are expected to broadcast the final on large screens.
About New York New Jersey Stadium
MetLife Stadium sits in East Rutherford, New Jersey, about 10 miles from Manhattan. FIFA refers to it as New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament due to sponsorship naming rules. The open-air venue holds 82,500 for the final and is home to the NFL’s Jets and Giants.
Weather plays a role in the open-air setting. The average 3 p.m. temperature on July 19 in East Rutherford is 83°F (28°C) with a RealFeel index of 89°F (32°C), per AccuWeather.
The First Halftime Show in World Cup History
No World Cup final has featured a halftime show since the tournament began in 1930 in Uruguay. Past finals offered only pre-match entertainment: the 2022 Qatar final staged a closing ceremony with Gims and Ozuna before kickoff, and the 2014 Brazil tournament had Carlos Santana and Wyclef Jean perform pre-match. The 2026 final breaks that 96-year tradition.
The show benefits the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which targets $100 million to expand education and football access for children worldwide. As of July 16, 2026, it has raised over $60 million following the “No Child on the Sidelines” pledging summit in New York City, and now supports 58 community organizations reaching over 400,000 children.
Notable contributions include $5 million from the United Arab Emirates, $1 million from Fox Corporation, an anchor pledge from Qatar, and independent fundraising by the BTS Army after the group’s announcement. Shakira donates her “Dai Dai” royalties plus $1 from every ticket on her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour. FIFA donates $1 from every World Cup 2026 match ticket.
How the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show Compares to the Super Bowl
FIFA designed the show to match Super Bowl scale within soccer’s tighter timing constraints. For context on every Super Bowl performance since 1967, see our complete Super Bowl halftime show history.
| Element | Super Bowl Halftime | World Cup 2026 Halftime |
|---|---|---|
| Year established | 1967 | 2026 (first ever) |
| Performance length | 12-15 minutes | 11 minutes |
| Total halftime interval | 25-30 minutes | 20-30 minutes (extended) |
| Stage design | Heavy field-built stage | Lightweight quick-install |
| Record US viewership | 133.5M (Kendrick Lamar, 2025) | TBD |
| Projected audience | ~120M (US-centric) | 1.6+ billion (global) |
| Producer | Roc Nation / NFL | Global Citizen |
| 2026 edition | Bad Bunny, Levi’s Stadium (Feb) | 4 headliners, MetLife (Jul) |
| US broadcaster | NBC (2026) | FOX |
| Cause-driven | No | Yes (Education Fund) |
| Performer fee | $0 (production costs only) | Similar model |
Chris Martin connects both worlds: he headlined Super Bowl 50 in 2016 with Beyoncé and Bruno Mars, made a surprise appearance at the 2025 Club World Cup halftime show, and now curates the World Cup final production.
The biggest difference is reach. The Super Bowl peaks around 130 million viewers, almost entirely American. The World Cup final’s projected 1.6+ billion global audience would make the 2026 halftime show the most-watched musical performance in history, which is exactly what makes it uniquely valuable for the Education Fund’s awareness goals.
FAQ About FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show
Will the halftime show be longer than a Super Bowl halftime?
No. The performance runs approximately 11 minutes, per Billboard, versus the Super Bowl’s typical 12 to 15. FIFA kept the performance compact, though the total halftime interval will extend to 20 to 30 minutes for staging, roughly double soccer’s standard break.
Will the stage be built on the pitch?
Producers Done + Dusted describe a lightweight staging system brought in and out quickly during the extended halftime, engineered to leave the pitch in perfect condition for the second half. The 2025 Club World Cup final at this venue used an upper-stands stage for the same reason: the playing surface comes first.
Will the halftime show stream on FIFA+?
FIFA has not confirmed separate FIFA+ streaming. FIFA+ carries highlights and behind-the-scenes content, not live matches. The show airs live within the match broadcast on FOX, Telemundo, and international broadcasters.
What is “Dai Dai” and will it be performed at halftime?
“Dai Dai” is the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song by Shakira and Burna Boy, released May 14, 2026. With Burna Boy confirmed in the halftime lineup, a live “Dai Dai” performance is highly likely. For the full breakdown including lyrics and football legend name-checks, see our official “Dai Dai” song explainer.
Can I still get tickets for the Central Park watch party?
No. The free ticket lottery for the Central Park Great Lawn watch party ran June 11 to July 16, 2026 and is now closed. Fans without tickets can head to the Times Square takeover or FIFA Fan Festival sites in host cities.
Why did Justin Bieber join the halftime show lineup late?
FIFA and Global Citizen added Bieber on July 8, 2026, roughly eight weeks after the original announcement. The addition followed his record-breaking Coachella comeback and Grammy Album of the Year nomination for Swag, adding North American star power to a lineup spanning five continents.
Can I record the halftime show legally?
Personal recording for private home use generally falls under fair use. Redistributing, uploading, or monetizing recordings violates copyright held by FIFA and the artists. DVR and streaming app downloads are for personal viewing only.
What internet speed do I need to stream the final?
A minimum of 5 Mbps handles standard definition. Plan for 10 to 15 Mbps for 1080p HD, and 25 Mbps or higher for 4K streams on FOX One. Hardwired ethernet delivers more stable streams than Wi-Fi during peak moments like halftime.
Can I get standalone halftime show tickets without a match ticket?
No. Halftime show access is included only with a World Cup final ticket. FIFA does not sell separate halftime-only entry. Remaining options are the official FIFA Resale Marketplace and verified secondary marketplaces, with resale prices at record highs for the Spain vs Argentina final.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime show on July 19 marks a turning point for global sports entertainment. Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber bring four continents of pop dominance to a single 11-minute stage as Spain and Argentina battle for the trophy, all in service of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Watch free on FOX or Telemundo from 11:00 a.m. ET on July 19, 2026.