Justin Bieber Joins Madonna, BTS and Shakira for Historic FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show

First-Ever FIFA World Cup Halftime Show Takes Shape

The FIFA World Cup is breaking new ground with its first-ever Halftime Show, scheduled for July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. Justin Bieber has been announced as the latest addition to the performance lineup, joining an already star-studded roster of co-headliners that includes Madonna, Shakira and BTS. The 11-minute spectacle is being organized by FIFA in partnership with Global Citizen.

The performance will also feature Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus. Coldplay, whose lead singer Chris Martin serves as international curator of the Global Citizen Festival, curated the show. In a playful twist, The Muppets' Kermit and Miss Piggy are also set to appear during the celebration.

A Star-Studded Cast for a Global Cause

Bieber expressed his enthusiasm for the event in a statement, emphasizing the World Cup's unique ability to unite people worldwide. "The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can," Bieber said. "I'm grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it's already helping expand access to education for children around the world."

Burna Boy, representing Africa on the historic lineup, highlighted the significance of his participation. "The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire world together," he said. "To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don't take lightly. I'm honoured to be part of a performance that not only celebrates football and culture, but also helps create greater opportunities for children through education around the world."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino underscored the educational mission behind the event. "When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education," Infantino said. "We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world."

Supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund

The Halftime Show is being staged in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to expand access to education and football for children across the world. The fund has already raised $50 million and will match $1 from every ticket sold to World Cup matches as a donation to the tournament.

Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen, described the event as potentially historic in scale and reach. "This is the single largest gathering of artists united for a cause since Live Aid, and it could well be the most-watched 11 minutes of broadcast music performance in history," Evans said. "These extraordinary artists, representing every corner of the globe, are coming together to help create opportunities for children everywhere through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund."

Evans also issued a direct call to world leaders, specifically naming French President Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez, urging them to contribute to the Education Fund and ensure the World Cup sets a new benchmark for lasting impact.

A Cultural Milestone for Football and Music

The convergence of such a diverse group of artists reflects the global nature of the World Cup itself. With Chris Martin at the creative helm and the inclusion of characters like Kermit and Miss Piggy, the show promises to blend musical performance with broader entertainment.

The event also represents a new approach for FIFA, introducing a halftime spectacle to the World Cup. With the philanthropic dimension through the Education Fund, the performance aims to leverage its global audience for tangible social impact.

As the countdown to July 19 continues, fans around the world will be watching not only for the music but for the message. With Bieber now added to a lineup that already features some of the world's most prominent artists, the first FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is shaping up to be a landmark moment in both sports and entertainment history.

What do you think about this historic lineup? Will you be tuning in to watch the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show? Share this article with your friends and let us know which performance you are most excited to see!

Source: Variety