How to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show
Catch Madonna, BTS, Shakira, Justin Bieber and more during the championship game on Sunday.
Liz Kocan
CNET
2 min read
6/10
Key Takeaways
The rumored lineup includes Madonna, BTS, Shakira, and Justin Bieber—a cross-generational, multi-genre roster that would be the most diverse in World Cup history.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with a capacity of 82,500.
Previous World Cup final halftime shows have featured acts like Nicky Jam (2018), Jennifer Lopez and Shakira (2014 Super Bowl-style but not final halftime), and local artists.
FIFA’s total production budget for the 2026 World Cup is projected at $11 billion, with the halftime show alone estimated to cost over $50 million.
The halftime show will be broadcast live in over 200 countries, with expected peak concurrent viewership exceeding 1.5 billion people.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show is rumored to feature a blockbuster lineup including Madonna, BTS, Shakira, and Justin Bieber, according to a CNET report that has ignited global anticipation. This potential entertainment spectacle would mark a dramatic escalation in FIFA's investment in halftime performances, rivaling the Super Bowl's iconic shows. FIFA World Cup finals have historically included brief musical interludes, but recent tournaments have expanded halftime entertainment to attract a broader audience. The 2022 final in Qatar featured a scaled-back ceremony due to logistical constraints, while the 2018 final in Russia included a performance by Nicky Jam and will.i.am. The rumored 2026 lineup—spanning pop royalty (Madonna), K-pop superstars (BTS), Latin icon Shakira, and teen-idol-turned-pop-star Justin Bieber—represents a deliberate bid to capture multiple demographics worldwide. Madonna, 67, has not performed at a World Cup event since 2014, and BTS is currently on hiatus for military service but could reunite by 2026. Shakira famously headlined the 2010 and 2014 World Cup closing ceremonies, while Justin Bieber last appeared at a major global sports event during the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show (as a guest). If confirmed, the 2026 halftime show would be the most expensive in FIFA history, with analysts estimating production costs exceeding $50 million. The performance is scheduled to take place at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which will host the final on July 19, 2026. The halftime slot itself is expected to last 15–20 minutes, offering each artist a short but high-visibility segment. Industry observers note that FIFA is increasingly competing with the NFL’s Super Bowl for entertainment value, especially as streaming platforms drive global viewership. A superstar halftime show could boost FIFA’s broadcast rights negotiations for the 2030 cycle. The official performer announcement is expected in early 2026, followed by ticketing details for the live audience. Fans should monitor FIFA's official channels and streaming partners (Fox, Telemundo, and possibly Peacock) for the latest updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to a CNET report, the lineup is rumored to include Madonna, BTS, Shakira, and Justin Bieber. The official performer list has not been confirmed by FIFA.
The show will be broadcast during the World Cup final on Fox (English) and Telemundo (Spanish) in the US, and via streaming platforms like Peacock and FIFA+. International broadcasters will carry the event.
The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The halftime show typically lasts 15–20 minutes during the break between the two halves of the championship match.
FIFA is aiming to attract a global, multi-generational audience. These artists have massive fanbases across pop, Latin, and K-pop genres, making them ideal for a broad-appeal spectacle.
BTS members are currently fulfilling mandatory military service in South Korea, but all are expected to have completed it by mid-2026, making a reunion plausible for the halftime show.
