Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterSundays World Cup final will be the first in the competitions history to serve up a half-time show in the style of the NFL. Its fitting enough for a final in the United States but its suitability for a football match has been questioned.Gianni Infantinos brazen willingness to lean into the showbusiness side of a World Cup sticks in the craw but this manifestation of it as at least in the name of a good cause.The production is being handled under the Global Citizen banner in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.Play our free match predictor and win �1kWhich artists are playing the World Cup final half-time show?Theres no knocking that, even if giving Chris Martin of Coldplay the creative keys made it inevitable that straightforward corporate friendly big-event-pop would be the order of the day.It will be a celebration of football, unity and shared humanity that will resonate far beyond the final whistle, promised FIFA president Infantino when the historic show was announced before the tournament. You may like Why BBC and ITV refuse to air the World Cup final half-time show World Cup 2026 will prolong half-time interval for extravagant show, with acts announced When does the World Cup end? Madonna, Shakira and BTS were the first global icons confirmed to be on the bill on July 19, which is expected to see the half time break run longer than the standard 15 minutes.The latest addition to the show is Justin Bieber, who said in a totally authentic statement that, The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."Im grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing its already helping expand access to education for children around the world.Heres the full list of performers slated for Sundays oversized middle hydration break at New York New Jersey Stadium:Justin BieberMadonnaShakiraBTSBurna BoyGustavo DudamelPS22 ChorusSesame StreetSome of The MuppetsThe quintet of pop acts topping the bill have sold somewhere in the region of a combined 500 million albums worldwide. What to read next When is the World Cup final? What's the walk-out song at World Cup 2026? 26 reasons why World Cup 2026 will be historic Dudamel is a renowned Venezuelan conductor who is due to leave the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra to become the artistic director of the New York Philharmonic.PS22 Chorus is exactly what it sounds like: an award-winning public school choir from Staten Islands biggest elementary school. Since it was founded in 2000, the chorus has made more television appearances than Stephen Mangan and Richard Osman combined.Ive spent my life doing two things making songs and building schools, said Shakira, sadly not adding and Ive run out of songs.At the FIFA World Cup, those two paths come together. Standing alongside Madonna and BTS, Ill be performing Dai Dai, the song I created for this World Cup and for the kids around the world we will reach with the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.My hope is that on the worlds biggest stage, the importance of investing in childrens education steals the show!TOPICSWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Chris NeeChris is a Warwickshire-based freelance football writer specialising in West Midlands football, the Premier League, the EFL and the J.League. He is the author of the High Protein Beef Paste football newsletter and owner of Aston Villa Review. He supports Coventry Sphinx.
