BTS, Shakira, and Madonna share the stage at the 2026 World Cup, starring in the tournament’s first-ever halftime show
This lineup is absolutely insane~
The 2026 World Cup will introduce a halftime show for the first time, with BTS, Madonna, and Shakira confirmed as the headliners. This historic performance will take place on July 19, the day of the final, at MetLife Stadium in New York.
- Related reading: BTS leader RM: “No matter what happens in the future, I’ll keep swimming forward with all ARMY.” BTS’s first performance since returning was so moving!
The 2026 World Cup will feature its first-ever halftime show
View this post on Instagram
The World Cup’s opening ceremonies have always been star-studded, with shows that rival any major music festival. This year, organizers have decided to save the biggest surprise for last, introducing for the first time the halftime show fans know from the Super Bowl and preparing to take this summer’s sports fever to another peak. It’s truly exciting to see this kind of crossover at a globally watched soccer tournament.
A star-studded lineup that transcends borders
View this post on Instagram
As the first halftime show in World Cup history, the lineup certainly doesn’t disappoint.
Organizers have confirmed that pop icon Madonna, Latin superstar Shakira, and global K-pop sensation BTS will perform together. Bringing together three hugely influential acts from different cultural backgrounds perfectly reflects the World Cup’s spirit of transcending borders.
More than 100 thrilling matches still stand between us and this show of the century, yet you can already mark your calendar. The halftime performance by BTS, Madonna, and Shakira will take place on July 19, the day of the World Cup final, at MetLife Stadium in New York. Whether you’re there in person or watching the broadcast from a screen, this is one night you definitely won’t want to miss this summer.
Traditional soccer tournaments have rarely focused on halftime entertainment. With this attempt to break from convention, FIFA clearly hopes to draw more young people who aren’t soccer fans to the event. BTS’s K-pop appeal, together with Madonna and Shakira’s powerful stage presence, shows how much excitement the combination of sports and music can create. The lines between fashion, entertainment, and sports have become increasingly blurred in recent years, and this trend toward diverse crossovers will surely be a new marker for major events in the future.
Beyond this article, here are a few recent stories worth checking out:
- BTS appears at the 2026 World Cup halftime show, sending the crowd wild with “Dynamite”
- Bring home a piece of the final pitch: FIFA World Cup 2026 “Piece of the Pitch” collectible sells out in a flash as soon as it drops
- The World Cup has just wrapped up! Morocco’s 2030 home stadium design is officially revealed, and the world’s largest soccer stadium is about to be born





