Featuring Justin Bieber, BTS, Madonna and more: the stars who will perform at the World Cup final halftime show

The final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in New York on July 19, will feature an unprecedented halftime show headlined by international music icons including Justin Bieber, BTS, Madonna, and Shakira. This marks the first time such a performance has been included in a World Cup final, blending sports, music, and global impact. The event, organized in collaboration with Global Citizen, aims to support the FIFA Global Citizenship Education Fund, which seeks to raise $100 million to improve access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. Over $50 million has already been raised through this initiative, with one dollar from each ticket sold during the 2026 World Cup being donated to the fund. Justin Bieber was announced as the latest addition to the lineup, joining a list that includes Madonna, Shakira, and BTS. The performance will last approximately 11 minutes and will also feature Burna Boy, whose hit song “Dai Dai” with Shakira continues to dominate global charts. Additional performers include Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the New York Philharmonic, and the PS 22 Choir alongside Coldplay. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of education, stating, “In terms of the world’s needs, nothing is more important than education.” He expressed pride in Bieber's participation, noting the artist's contribution to expanding educational and sporting opportunities globally. Bieber himself shared his enthusiasm, saying he felt honored to be part of an event that supports children's education worldwide. BTS will also perform, with Burna Boy expressing his appreciation for representing Africa in the first halftime show of a World Cup final. He highlighted the significance of the event in celebrating football and culture while promoting educational opportunities for children around the globe. The show will also feature characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets, according to the FIFA. Their inclusion reinforces the event's goal of ensuring all children have access to quality education. In May 2026, the FIFA and Global Citizen announced the first group of organizations receiving funding from the FIFA Global Citizenship Education Fund to support programs that provide education and football opportunities in disadvantaged communities across ten countries. During the round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals, players will wear patches reading “United by Education” on their sleeves to raise awareness about initiatives such as the FIFA Global Citizenship Education Fund, the FIFA School Football Programme, and educational projects run by the FIFA Foundation.