Shakira Speaks Out on Performing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show With BTS and Madonna, Shakira has opened up about what it means to her to be part of the historic first-ever halftime show at the FIFA World Cup final, set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19th, 2026. Speaking ahead of the landmark event, the global superstar described the experience as something she has been looking forward to for years.
“I am honored to be performing alongside Madonna and BTS. I think that this is going to be completely different from the Super Bowl experience, which by the way was incredible for me.”
Four Years in the Making
The idea for the halftime show did not emerge overnight. According to Coldplay frontman and show curator Chris Martin, the dream began four years ago at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“Chris called me and said that it would be incredible if we could work together with FIFA to create the first ever halftime show for the World Cup final.”
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From that initial conversation, the entire concept was built around one central value: unity.
“When the world can feel so divided, we wanted to have a moment where if you look down on planet Earth and you saw this halftime show, you would feel this incredible spirit of unity. That people of all nations, of all backgrounds, would come together and demonstrate that there are things that are bigger than all of us.”
Education at the Heart of It All
That bigger thing, in this context, is children’s education. The halftime show is directly connected to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, and every artist involved was chosen because of their genuine commitment to the cause.
“Shakira has so long demonstrated her commitment to education, and she has also demonstrated over her entire career her love for football. She is the most extraordinary artist to co-headline the first ever World Cup final alongside Madonna, who said she is equally passionate about education, and BTS, who responded immediately when given the opportunity.”
Shakira herself described the purpose behind the performance as what she hopes will truly define the night.
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“This time we are going to be combining the passion for football and music for a good cause. Every artist on that stage that night is going to be giving this event a different meaning because it has a purpose, and the purpose is to bring attention to the importance of investing in education. I really hope that is what steals the show that night.”
She also reflected on the broader vision behind the initiative.
“If we invest in education and generate opportunities for those children, that is the real impact we want to leave behind.”
The BTS Army Already Making an Impact
One of the most remarkable early signs of the show’s potential impact came from BTS’s fanbase, known as the ARMY. Chris Martin noted that within hours of the announcement, fans had already taken action.
“Last night’s announcement, ever since we announced it, the ARMY have already raised over $10,000 just like that, just by getting online and fundraising. We didn’t even ask them to do so. The ARMY are so amazing.”
Conclusion
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show is shaping up to be far more than a musical spectacle. With Shakira, Madonna, and BTS sharing a stage for the first time in history, and with the entire event anchored in a genuine commitment to children’s education through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, this is a moment that promises to resonate well beyond the ninety minutes of football that precede it.
The combination of the world’s most watched sporting event and one of the most powerful entertainment lineups ever assembled, united behind a cause that genuinely matters, is something that has never been attempted before. On July 19th in New Jersey, history will be made on multiple levels at once.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What did Shakira say about performing at the World Cup final halftime show? A: Shakira said she is honored to perform alongside Madonna and BTS, and described the show as something completely different from her Super Bowl experience. She emphasized that the purpose behind the performance, raising awareness for children’s education, is what she hopes will define the night.
Q: When did the idea for the halftime show first come about? A: According to Chris Martin, the idea began four years ago during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when he and Shakira first discussed the possibility of creating the first-ever halftime show for a World Cup final.
Q: What is the central theme of the halftime show? A: The show is built around the value of unity, bringing together people of all nations and backgrounds to celebrate what connects humanity. The cause at its heart is children’s education and the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
Q: Why were Shakira, Madonna, and BTS chosen as the performers? A: All three were selected because of their genuine and longstanding commitment to education as a cause, in addition to their global reach and cultural significance. BTS responded immediately when approached, and Madonna expressed equal passion for the educational mission.
Q: How has the BTS fanbase responded to the announcement? A: Within hours of the announcement, BTS fans, known as the ARMY, had already raised over $10,000 for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund through online fundraising, without being asked to do so.
Q: What is the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund? A: It is a new initiative connected to the 2026 World Cup halftime show, aiming to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football programs for children around the world. One dollar from every World Cup ticket sold contributes directly to the fund.
