In a groundbreaking announcement that has the sports and music worlds buzzing, Global Citizen, Coldplay's Chris Martin, and none other than Sesame Street's Elmo have revealed the star-studded lineup for the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show. Set to take place on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the historic halftime spectacle will feature global icons BTS, Shakira, and Madonna as headliners.
This isn't just any halftime show—it's a game-changer for soccer's biggest stage. The event will also raise funds for Global Citizen's children's education fund, adding a powerful purpose to the entertainment. Chris Martin, tasked with curating the show, turned to an unlikely but beloved ally: Elmo. In a playful video announcement, the red Muppet showed off his star connections, calling up BTS and Shakira in real-time, with Cookie Monster chiming in to suggest the K-pop sensation—partly because of his love for their hit "Butter" (and, of course, the dairy product).
BTS members RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook appeared on screen, confirming their participation. The group is currently in the midst of their massive "ARIRANG" World Tour, which kicked off in April in South Korea. With 82 shows across 34 cities, the schedule is relentless: they head to Stanford, Northern California, this weekend, followed by four nights in Las Vegas, then back to Korea for Busan concerts. After that, it's off to the UK, Europe, and the U.S. before wrapping up in Asia next March. The call with Elmo came during their Mexico City stop, where they were spotted wearing the same outfits from their appearance on the National Palace balcony with President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Shakira, a World Cup veteran, was brought into the mix by another Muppet, Animal. The Colombian superstar already had ties to the tournament—her song "Dai Dai," featuring Burna Boy, has been named the official 2026 World Cup anthem. This marks her second World Cup song, following the iconic "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" from the 2010 tournament in South Africa. Shakira's own "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour" kicks off in June 2026, with dates on July 2 and July 14, making her halftime appearance a perfect fit.
With a lineup this massive, the 2026 World Cup Final halftime show is shaping up to be as unforgettable as the match itself. Whether you're a soccer fan, a music lover, or just here for the spectacle, this is one global moment you won't want to miss.