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The show is being curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and marks a historic first for a football World Cup final, although it has sparked questions over the duration of the traditional halftime break.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup — the largest edition in history featuring 48 teams — will kick off on June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the halftime show as “definitely the biggest stage ever,” noting that six billion viewers are expected to watch the World Cup, with “a couple of billion” expected to tune in for the final alone.
The halftime performance will also feature characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets in support of FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million for children worldwide during the tournament.
Shakira confirmed she will perform the tournament’s official anthem, “Dai Dai,” and announced that she will donate “100 percent of the proceeds” from the song to the fund.
Speaking at the Global Citizen NOW event in New York, Shakira said: “These are very troubled times, and it's important that we all come together, to remember and to remind everyone how important our kids are and their education.”
In a statement, Madonna described the concert supporting global education expansion as “deeply meaningful to me.”
BTS also said: “Music is the universal language of hope and harmony, and we're honored to celebrate that power at the World Cup by connecting with millions of viewers around the world in support of children's education.”
Infantino had previously announced plans for a halftime show “befitting the biggest sporting event in the world” at the World Cup final.
A similar concept was tested during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, where the halftime break extended beyond the standard 15 minutes.
Shakira also headlined the halftime show at the 2024 Copa America final in Miami.
Shakira, who famously created the 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka,” recently teased “Dai Dai” in a promotional video filmed at Brazil’s iconic Maracana Stadium.
In the 67-second clip, the singer appeared on the pitch at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium holding the official 2026 World Cup match ball, “Trionda,” while performing parts of the song in English alongside dancers dressed in the colors of several national teams, including the United States and Colombia.
The anthem was produced in collaboration with Nigerian artist Burna Boy and is scheduled for official release on Thursday. The video, also shared by FIFA World Cup accounts, concluded with the message: “We’re ready!”
The 2026 World Cup will feature three separate opening ceremonies — one in each host nation — beginning in Mexico on June 11, followed by ceremonies in Canada and the United States the next day.
Global music stars including Katy Perry, Future, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, J Balvin, and Lisa are set to perform across the three concerts.
Infantino also revealed that FIFA plans to “take over” New York’s Times Square during the World Cup final weekend.
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