This summer’s World Cup hasn’t been without controversy, but at least the entertainment is sure to excite fans.
July’s FIFA World Cup Final will include its first-ever halftime show featuring Madonna, Shakira and BTS. The musical event will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and its work to expand access to quality education and football for children around the world.
Coldplay singer Chris Martin will curate the show, which will feature Sesame Street Muppets, as well as Muppets Kermit and Miss Piggy. A video posted to Instagram shows Martin and Elmo video calling BTS to join in and raise money for children’s education. Shakira said in an official statement, “Standing alongside Madonna and BTS, I’ll be performing ‘Dai Dai,’ the song I created for this FIFA World Cup and for the kids around the world we will reach with the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.”
The World Cup Final will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, starting at 3 p.m. ET. The halftime show will be broadcast live globally.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been facing scrutiny over soaring ticket prices and dynamic pricing strategies, with some tickets reportedly reaching thousands of dollars. There have also been major logistical and political concerns, as the White House has imposed bans and travel restrictions on some three dozen countries, including teams participating in the World Cup. FIFA has also imposed stricter discipline on its players’ behavior during matches.
One piece by The New York Times’ The Athletic captured some of this in an article with the headline: “The World Cup is supposed to inspire hope and unity. This one feels different.”
