2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show: Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber to Headline Historic Entertainment Spectacle

Football’s biggest night will feature more than just the battle for the FIFA World Cup trophy. The 2026 final is set to make history with the tournament’s first-ever halftime show, bringing together some of the world’s biggest music stars in a landmark entertainment event ahead of millions of viewers worldwide.

The FIFA World Cup has traditionally been remembered for iconic goals, unforgettable finals and emotional trophy celebrations. This year, however, FIFA is expanding the spectacle beyond football by introducing an entertainment format more commonly associated with major American sporting events.

The final, scheduled at New York New Jersey Stadium, will combine elite football with a globally televised music production featuring internationally recognised artists spanning pop, Latin music, K-pop, Afrobeats and classical performance.

FIFA Introduces Its First-Ever World Cup Final Halftime Show

For the first time in the tournament’s history, FIFA will stage a dedicated halftime entertainment performance during the World Cup final.

The initiative represents a significant shift in how football’s biggest match is presented to global audiences, blending sport and entertainment into a single international event.

The halftime production is expected to feature a carefully coordinated lineup of artists performing during the interval before play resumes.

Star-Studded Performer Lineup

The inaugural halftime show brings together artists representing different musical genres and global fan communities.

Shakira Returns to the World Cup Stage

Few artists have become as closely associated with the FIFA World Cup as Shakira.

After the worldwide success of Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) during the 2010 tournament, the Colombian superstar is once again set to perform at football’s biggest event, adding another chapter to her long association with FIFA.

BTS to Represent Global K-pop

South Korean group BTS will join the halftime lineup, marking another major international performance for one of the world’s most influential music acts.

Their inclusion reflects FIFA’s effort to appeal to younger global audiences while recognising K-pop’s international popularity.

Justin Bieber Joins the Celebration

Canadian pop star Justin Bieber is also expected to take the stage, adding another internationally recognised performer to the entertainment programme.

His appearance continues FIFA’s strategy of combining football with mainstream global entertainment.

Madonna Brings Pop Legacy

Music icon Madonna is scheduled to perform during the halftime show, contributing decades of stage experience and one of pop music’s most recognised catalogues to the historic production.

Burna Boy Adds Afrobeats Representation

Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy will also perform, highlighting the growing global influence of Afrobeats and continuing his association with FIFA-related events.

Chris Martin Leads Creative Direction

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has been named creative curator for the halftime production.

His involvement is expected to shape the overall artistic direction of the performance, bringing together artists from different genres into a unified live production.

Closing Ceremony Begins Before Kick-Off

Entertainment will begin well before the opening whistle.

The World Cup final’s closing ceremony is expected to celebrate the tournament’s journey across the United States, Canada and Mexico while recognising the 48 participating nations and the host cities that staged matches throughout the competition.

Grammy-nominated artist Post Malone is expected to headline the pre-match celebrations, while Academy, Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winner Jennifer Hudson is scheduled to perform before kick-off.

Additional Performers and Celebrity Appearances

Beyond the headline artists, FIFA’s entertainment programme is expected to include appearances from several performers and public figures.

The lineup includes:

• Gustavo Dudamel
• PS 22 Chorus
• Sesame Street characters
• The Muppets

Several celebrity guests are also expected to participate in the final weekend celebrations, although FIFA has not confirmed their specific roles.

UAE Viewing Timings

Football fans in the UAE can follow the final according to the following schedule:

• Closing Ceremony: Around 9:30 PM (UAE time)
• Kick-off: 11:00 PM (UAE time)
• Halftime Show: Approximately 11:45 PM to Midnight, depending on first-half stoppage time.

Broadcast schedules may vary depending on the broadcaster.

Where UAE Fans Can Watch

Supporters in the UAE can watch the FIFA World Cup final through official broadcasting platforms carrying tournament coverage.

These include satellite television services as well as authorised digital streaming platforms that provide live access across televisions, smartphones, tablets and connected devices.

Viewers are advised to consult their local broadcaster’s official schedule for confirmation of kickoff times and availability.

Football Remains the Main Attraction

Although the halftime show represents a historic addition to the tournament, the evening’s primary focus remains the FIFA World Cup final itself.

The introduction of internationally recognised performers reflects FIFA’s broader ambition to expand the tournament’s entertainment appeal while preserving football as the centrepiece of the occasion.

For many supporters, the combination of world-class football and global music icons is expected to make this year’s final one of the most watched sporting events of the year.

As the countdown to kickoff continues, audiences across the world—including fans in the UAE—will witness a World Cup final unlike any before, where football’s biggest prize will be accompanied by the tournament’s first-ever halftime entertainment spectacle.