Soccer-Madonna, BTS and Shakira to headline first World Cup final halftime show


FILE PHOTO: Shakira performs during an open concert at the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil May 2, 2026. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes/File Photo

May 14 (Reuters) - Madonna ⁠and Shakira will line up with K-pop ⁠supergroup BTS to headline the first-ever World ‌Cup final halftime show at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, FIFA said on Thursday.

Coldplay singer Chris Martin will curate ​the extravaganza scheduled for July ⁠19, the tournament's organiser ⁠added.

"The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final halftime show will ⁠be ‌a truly special moment, bringing together music, football and a shared commitment to ⁠improving the lives of children around the ​world," FIFA ‌president Gianni Infantino said on social media.

"Together, ⁠we will ​support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and help create greater access to quality education and football ⁠for children worldwide."

The 48-team World Cup, ​co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19. The ⁠tournament will feature 104 matches, up from the previous 64, including an additional knockout round.

Last year's Club World Cup in North America, which served ​as a test run for ⁠the World Cup, also featured a halftime show ​including performances from American rapper ‌Doja Cat, Colombian singer J ​Balvin and Nigerian singer Tems.

(Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Andrew Heavens)

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