The organizing committee for the 2026 World Cup is preparing to redefine the history of the tournament and modernize its traditions by introducing a massive, unprecedented entertainment and show program inspired by the famous American Super Bowl performances.

The highly anticipated date for this historic global event is set for Sunday, July 19, 2026, when the “New York New Jersey” stadium, known as MetLife Stadium, hosts the closing events, officially bringing together, for the first time, football, global music, and social humanitarian impact. The event’s program revolves around two main and separate musical and entertainment segments, promising the largest live entertainment production ever broadcast to billions of viewers worldwide.

 

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The First Halftime Show in World Cup History

For the first time in FIFA’s history, the final match, scheduled to kick off at 10:00 PM Mecca time, will feature a live musical performance during halftime, breaking the traditional format of the tournament’s biggest game. The show includes several exceptional elements:

The Artistic and Production Concept

The performance will be a fast-paced “Megamix” production lasting 11 full minutes, created by the global organization Global Citizen in partnership with Live Nation and Done + Dusted. The overall artistic direction will be supervised by Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay, who revealed in a short film the lineup of stars participating in the show and described it as a performance “entirely based on the idea of togetherness… and everyone is invited.”

Global Star List

The event will feature a lineup of international icons crossing borders and generations, including global superstar Justin Bieber, alongside the Queen of Pop Madonna, international star Shakira, and the renowned K-pop group BTS.

Special Shows and Joint Segments

The broadcast will include a special appearance by Afrobeats star Burna Boy, who will perform the global hit song “Dai Dai” in a joint performance with Shakira. The song continues to top music charts worldwide.

The show will also feature renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, music and artistic director of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, alongside the PS 22 Chorus, the Webby Award-winning choir, in collaboration with Coldplay.

Inclusion of 'Sesame Street' and 'The Muppets'

The field will also welcome appearances by characters from “Sesame Street” and the famous “Muppets,” known for spreading joyful educational messages to children across generations, reinforcing the educational and humanitarian mission behind the show.

Event announcement before Justin Bieber's inclusion (FIFA)

Secret Closing Ceremony After the Final Whistle?

Media reports indicated that FIFA is planning a traditional and spectacular closing ceremony expected to exceed expectations and complement the halftime show after the final whistle, the official crowning of the world champion, and the end of the tournament.

According to reports, coordination and contracting are underway with global pop-rock icon Pink for a massive performance reportedly costing a six-figure sum. The show would serve as the main farewell segment, bringing the curtain down on the tournament.

The ceremony is also expected to include a spectacular visual performance titled “Nations Display,” featuring thousands of dancers and performers from around the world wearing traditional costumes. They will create coordinated large-scale formations across the pitch before the event concludes with the official World Cup handover ceremony and the championship celebration.

The Human Dimension: Education Fund and 'Unite for Education' Campaign

Beyond entertainment, the show carries a major social message through its direct support for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The initiative aims to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and provide football opportunities for children in the world’s most marginalized and underserved communities.

The fund will support proven, locally led programs in 10 initial countries announced in May 2026.

The campaign has already raised more than $50 million, with its humanitarian momentum continuing through the allocation of one dollar from every ticket sold for the 2026 World Cup matches entirely to the fund.

Artists at the closing ceremony (FIFA)

Statements by Justin Bieber and Shakira

The participating artists expressed their pride in taking part in the historic event. Justin Bieber highlighted his gratitude for being part of a show that contributes to supporting children’s education, while Burna Boy expressed his pride in representing Africa at this landmark global event.

Shakira, a member of the fund’s advisory council, said she hopes investment in education will take center stage at the world’s biggest sporting event. BTS described music as a universal language of hope and harmony.

The fund’s advisory council includes prominent figures and celebrities such as FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans, Australian actor Hugh Jackman, American businesswoman Ivanka Trump, Canadian singer The Weeknd, tennis legend Serena Williams, Brazilian football icon Kaká, and Bank of America Co-Chair Jim DeMare.

'Unite for Education' Campaign at Stadiums

Alongside the performances, FIFA is launching a comprehensive stadium campaign titled “Unite for Education,” highlighting the role of football in supporting educational opportunities beyond the pitch.

During the knockout stages, including the Round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals, all players will wear a special campaign badge on their sleeves to raise awareness among fans about educational initiatives, including the joint fund, FIFA’s Football for Schools program, and educational projects led by the FIFA Foundation.

Final Four Contest: 4 Teams Compete for the Final Ticket

On the sporting side, the race for a place in the final match and the closing celebrations has been narrowed down to four football giants that successfully passed the quarterfinal stage: France, Spain, England, and Argentina.

Fans are set for two highly anticipated semifinal clashes:

France vs Spain: Tuesday, July 14, at 10:00 PM Mecca time at Dallas Stadium.

England vs Argentina: Wednesday, July 15, at 10:00 PM Mecca time at Atlanta Stadium.