In a massive announcement that has sent shockwaves through the worlds of sports and music, FIFA has officially confirmed that BTS, Shakira, and Madonna will co-headline the first-ever halftime show during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final.
The historic event is set to take place on July 19, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium). The news was revealed in a unique teaser trailer featuring Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who serves as the show’s curator, alongside Elmo and beloved characters from The Muppets, including Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.
This performance marks a significant shift for the tournament, introducing a Super Bowl-style entertainment spectacle to the global stage. Proceeds from the show will be donated to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a landmark initiative aiming to raise $100 million to provide quality education and football access to children worldwide. For BTS, this performance follows their recent musical comeback with the album Arirang, while Shakira adds to her World Cup legacy following the release of the 2026 official song, “Dai Dai.”
Nora Fatehi to Shine at Toronto Opening Ceremony
While the Final promises a pop-powerhouse lineup, the tournament’s festivities will begin with Bollywood’s dancing sensation Nora Fatehi. She is confirmed to perform and sing at the Opening Ceremony in Toronto, Canada, on June 12, 2026, at BMO Field. Fatehi, who previously performed during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, will represent the global appeal of Indian cinema on the international stage.
The Toronto ceremony will feature a distinctly Canadian flavor, with Nora joining an elite roster of artists including Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, and Jessie Reyez. Simultaneously, the U.S. leg of the tournament will kick off at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles with a separate star-studded lineup featuring Katy Perry, Anitta, and Lisa of BLACKPINK, making the 2026 edition the most star-studded World Cup in history.
Quick Facts: FIFA World Cup 2026 Entertainment
| Event | Date | Venue | Headline Artists |
| Opening Ceremony (Canada) | June 12, 2026 | BMO Field, Toronto | Nora Fatehi, Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette |
| Opening Ceremony (USA) | June 12, 2026 | SoFi Stadium, LA | Katy Perry, Lisa, Anitta, Rema |
| World Cup Final Halftime | July 19, 2026 | New York New Jersey | BTS, Shakira, Madonna |