Shakira, Madonna to headline historic 2026 World Cup final show
The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will feature an unprecedented halftime show with global music stars performing for charity.
Key Takeaways
AIThe world’s attention will turn to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, not only for the battle for the title but also for an unprecedented halftime show set to make tournament history.
FIFA announced that the halftime break will be extended to 17 minutes—two minutes longer than usual—to accommodate a spectacular performance featuring top international music stars. The lineup includes Shakira, Madonna, BTS, Burna Boy, Justin Bieber, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS2 Choir, and Coldplay.
Performing for free to support education
Despite the scale of the event, all artists will perform without pay, supporting a joint FIFA and Global Citizen initiative to fund education programs worldwide.
The initiative aims to raise around $100 million during the tournament, with one dollar from every ticket sold for the Spain-Argentina final dedicated to supporting children's education. The campaign seeks to leverage football’s global popularity to make a positive impact on thousands of young lives.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated in May that bringing together global stars like Shakira, Madonna, and BTS on football’s biggest stage, alongside a fundraising campaign for children’s education, gives the event a humanitarian dimension that goes beyond sport.