Shakira, Madonna, and K-pop sensation BTS will perform a Super Bowl-style halftime extravaganza at the 2026 World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin curates the production, marking the first such show in a football World Cup final and sparking discussions on extended halftime durations.
Expanded Tournament Kicks Off Soon
The largest World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams, begins June 11 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA President Gianni Infantino first revealed plans for this groundbreaking halftime event in March 2025. “This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world,” Infantino stated on Instagram.
The initiative echoes Shakira’s halftime performance at the 2024 Copa America final in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. A similar extended break occurred at last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final, also at MetLife Stadium, surpassing the standard 15-minute interval.
Additional FIFA Activations
FIFA plans to dominate New York City’s Times Square during the tournament’s final weekend. The halftime spectacle supports the Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million for children worldwide.
Shakira Unveils Official Anthem
Shakira recently previewed the 2026 World Cup’s official song, “Dai Dai,” in a 67-second video shot at Brazil’s Maracana Stadium. The Colombian superstar, who crafted the 2010 hit “Waka Waka,” appears on the pitch holding the official Trionda match ball. Dancers in colors representing teams like the US and Colombia join her, with production credits to Nigerian artist Burna Boy. The track releases today, ending the clip with the message: “We’re ready!”
Shakira boasts a storied World Cup legacy, including live performances at the 2006 and 2014 finals, plus a massive free concert on Rio’s Copacabana Beach drawing 2 million fans.
