Stop everything! What was a corridor rumor today is a reality that has the world upside down. FIFA confirmed Thursday that the 2026 World Cup Grand Final, scheduled for July 19 in New York, will not only define the champion of soccer, but will also be the setting for the first halftime show in World Cup history.
And hold on, because the names chosen for this epic mission are pure legends: the Queen of Pop, Madonna; our favorite wolf, Shakira; and the global phenomenon that moves the masses, BTS. This explosive combination of pop culture, Latin rhythms and K-pop promises to be the most watched show of all time.
First-ever half-time show at the 2026 World Cup
Behind this luxury curation is Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay.
Through the charitable production company Global Citizen, Martin was in charge of selecting this musical “Dream Team”.
The goal is clear: to unite the world through music and, in the process, support causes with global impact.
For Shakira, this will be her fourth appearance at a World Cup closing ceremony, consolidating her position as the true queen of the World Cup after the success of “Waka Waka” and her latest anthem‘Dai Dai‘, released just last week.
On the other hand, it will be the official debut of Madonna and BTS on this stage, which has generated a massive expectation among fans who are already selling out hotels in the Big Apple.
Goodbye to 15 minutes: The break is getting longer
Although soccer purists might raise an eyebrow, the addition of an American-style“halftime show” will change the rules of the game.
The final half-time is expected to last longer than the regulation 15 minutes, possibly extending to 25 minutes, as was the case in the pilot test during the Club World Cup final between PSG and Chelsea.
This announcement adds to the impressive inaugural lineup that includes Alejandro Fernandez and J Balvin in Mexico, and Katy Perry with Anitta in the United States.
Without a doubt, FIFA 2026 is betting everything on total spectacle.
What about you Onnda, do you think the halftime show takes away from the essence of soccer or is it about time the World Cup had a show on par with the Super Bowl?
Filed under: 2026 World Cup Halftime Show
