Music fans across the world are in for a historic moment as global superstars Shakira, Madonna and South Korean sensation BTS are reportedly set to perform together at the halftime show of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. Interestingly, despite being among the world’s biggest music acts, none of them are charging any fee for their performance.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final to Feature Historic Halftime Show
According to reports, the grand halftime show will take place on July 19, 2026, during the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. The special event is being designed by Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen.
The 11-minute live performance is expected to become one of the biggest musical collaborations ever seen on a sports stage, bringing together artists from different generations and genres.
Why Are Shakira, Madonna and BTS Performing for Free?
Despite their massive global popularity and expensive performance fees, all three acts have reportedly agreed to perform without taking any payment. Sources claim that the artists are donating their time and talent for a social cause.
The money generated through the event will reportedly go to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to support children’s education around the world. Organizers are hoping to raise nearly 100 million dollars through the initiative.
Madonna, Shakira and BTS will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ Final Halftime Show at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
— Coldplay (@coldplay) May 14, 2026
Curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, the show will raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund,… pic.twitter.com/H2c2mc9q0b
FIFA Adopts Super Bowl Halftime Show Model
This year, FIFA is following a model similar to the famous Super Bowl Halftime Show, where performers usually do not receive appearance fees.
Reports also suggest that one dollar from every ticket sold during the tournament will be directed toward social welfare programs. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, making it the biggest edition of the tournament so far.
Earlier this year, Bad Bunny reportedly performed at the Super Bowl without charging a fee, while Kendrick Lamar also followed the same approach in 2025.
Shakira Returns to the FIFA Stage
While Madonna and BTS will be making their FIFA World Cup performance debut, Shakira already shares a long history with the tournament. The singer has previously delivered iconic FIFA anthems that became global hits and remain fan favorites even today.
Her performances at past World Cups helped create unforgettable moments for football fans worldwide, and expectations are once again sky-high for the 2026 final.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Expected to Break Global Viewership Records
The FIFA World Cup continues to be one of the most watched sporting events on the planet. Reports state that nearly 1.42 billion viewers watched the 2022 FIFA World Cup final globally.
With a star-studded halftime lineup and a strong charitable mission, organizers believe the 2026 edition could attract even larger audiences while raising significant funds for education initiatives worldwide.