
What To Know
- BTS, Madonna, and Shakira will headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
- This marks the first-ever official FIFA World Cup Halftime Show, supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
- Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who will curate the show, made the announcement alongside The Muppets.
FIFA is going all out for its World Cup final halftime show, with BTS, Madonna, and Shakira set to headline the festivities from New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on July 19.
The official FIFA World Cup Instagram account made the announcement, writing, “The world’s biggest stage. An even bigger purpose. On July 19, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Halftime Show is coming to New York New Jersey Stadium, featuring superstars @madonna , @shakira , and @bts.bighitofficial, curated by @coldplay’s Chris Martin!”
“A FIFA World Cup first, the Halftime Show supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a landmark initiative working to raise $100 USD million to expand access to quality education and football for children around the world,” the post continued. “Throughout the tournament, USD 1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches will be donated to the Fund.”
The World Cup kicks off on June 11 from Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, with Mexico versus South Africa. Games throughout the tournament are set to take place in various locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin also made an announcement on the band’s Instagram page. In a video, Martin was joined by characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets as he asked for their advice on who should perform at the Halftime Show.
Elmo recommended Madonna, while the Cookie Monster suggested BTS, as his favorite song (and cookie ingredient) is “Butter.” The members of BTS then made a cameo during a video call with Elmo, confirming they’ll be in New Jersey for the World Cup final.
After Martin said they needed one more huge star, Miss Piggy made her grand entrance, with Kermit in tow. While Miss Piggy offered her services, Animal interrupted, demanding that Shakira be part of the show.
You can watch the announcement in the video above and let us know your thoughts below.
2026 World Cup, Thursday, June 11, 3/2c, Fox Sports, Fox, ESPN, Peacock, Telemundo & FIFA+
TV Guide Magazine’s 2026 World Cup Preview Special Issue is available for order online now at worldcup.tvgm2026.com and for purchase on newsstands nationwide.
