Shakira, Madonna and BTS Confirmed for Historic 2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show

By: Shawn
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will make history with the introduction of its first-ever halftime show, and FIFA has selected Shakira, Madonna, and BTS as the headline performers for the occasion.

Scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the event is intended to merge elite football with large-scale live entertainment while supporting educational opportunities for children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
‎
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature a halftime show led by Shakira, Madonna and BTS at MetLife Stadium.
‎Getty Images Entertainment 

The announcement was delivered through a creative social media presentation featuring characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets. FIFA also confirmed that Chris Martin will oversee the halftime production.

Each performer enters the tournament period with major projects already underway. Shakira recently unveiled “Dai Dai,” the official tournament song recorded alongside Burna Boy. Madonna is preparing for the release of her upcoming album, Confessions II, while BTS continue their widely followed return after military service and the March launch of their sixth studio album, Arirang.

Beyond the final, FIFA has assembled an extensive entertainment schedule throughout the tournament. The opening ceremony on June 12 at SoFi Stadium will feature performances from Katy Perry and Future. Celebrations are also planned for the Canadian and Mexican opening matches, led by Michael Bublé in Toronto and J Balvin in Mexico City.

FIFA’s approach reflects the scale of the expanded 48-team competition and its effort to reach audiences through music, entertainment, and cultural programming alongside football action.

As anticipation builds toward kickoff in North America, teams are finalising preparations for the opening fixtures. The United States will open against Paraguay in California, while Mexico are set to host South Africa at Azteca Stadium. At the same time, BTS remain on a sold-out global tour, and Madonna is preparing for a major appearance at the Tribeca Festival, setting the stage for a globally anticipated halftime performance in New Jersey.

MORE FROM THE MADRID ABOVE

Man Utd and Liverpool Set for Transfer Showdown Over Micky van de Ven

Image
Manchester United and Liverpool FC are reportedly gearing up for a major transfer clash over Micky van de Ven, with both clubs targeting the Tottenham Hotspur centre-back ahead of the upcoming window. Despite Tottenham’s challenging campaign, Van de Ven’s reputation has grown significantly, placing him high on the shortlist of both North West clubs. According to reports, the defender has become a key focus as each side looks to strengthen at the back. ‎ ‎Manchester United and Liverpool are preparing a fierce transfer battle for Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven as interest intensifies ahead of summer. ‎Getty Images Sport  United’s interest is driven by the need to add depth and quality to their defence, particularly with injuries affecting consistency this season. The club is keen on bringing in a left-footed central defender capable of competing with Lisandro Martinez, and Van de Ven fits that profile. The 25-year-old’s performances have impressed scouts at both Old ...
Read more

Champions League Semi-Final: Atletico Hold Arsenal 1-1 as Alvarez Delivers and VAR Spares Hancko

Image
Atletico Madrid recovered to claim a 1-1 result against Arsenal in the opening leg of their Champions League semi-final clash, with Julian Alvarez converting from the penalty spot to cancel out Viktor Gyokeres’ earlier effort. ‎ ‎Atletico Madrid earn a 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final first leg, with Julian Alvarez scoring and VAR sparing David Hancko. ‎Getty Images Sport  The visitors edged ahead just before the interval when Gyokeres was brought down inside the area by David Hancko, and the striker confidently dispatched the resulting penalty. Prior to that, opportunities had been limited, although Alvarez tested David Raya with a powerful attempt, while Noni Madueke sent a shot narrowly off target. After the restart, Diego Simeone altered his system to a 3-4-3 setup, which shifted the momentum. Atletico emerged with greater urgency, creating a string of chances. Alvarez went close from a free-kick, Ademola Lookman’s effort was denied by Ray...
Read more

Chelsea FC Sack Liam Rosenior After Just Three Months in Charge

Image
‎Chelsea FC have officially relieved Liam Rosenior of his duties as head coach, bringing a sudden end to his tenure only three months after his appointment on a long-term deal. ‎ ‎The 41-year-old manager, who took over from Enzo Maresca on January 6, oversaw 23 matches across all competitions. During that period, his side registered 10 wins, suffered 10 defeats, and drew three times. ‎ ‎Chelsea part ways with Liam Rosenior after a poor run of form, just months into his tenure, with Calum McFarlane stepping in as interim coach. ‎Getty Images Sport ‎A sharp decline in results proved decisive. Seven of those losses came within the last eight fixtures, including five in the Premier League. This downturn prompted the club’s ownership group, BlueCo led by Behdad Eghbali, to make a managerial change. ‎ ‎The decision arrives just days before Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Leeds United. Following internal discussions held on Wednesday, the club hierarchy concluded that a cha...
Read more

FSG Sack Manager and Coaching Staff in Sweeping Overhaul by Liverpool Owners

Image
‎A significant managerial change has taken place at the Boston Red Sox, with Fenway Sports Group opting to relieve Alex Cora of his duties alongside five members of his backroom staff. ‎ ‎The move arrives during a challenging stretch for the team, which has opened the season with 10 wins and 17 defeats. This development comes even after a commanding 17-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. ‎ ‎Boston Red Sox remove Alex Cora and coaching staff after a 10-17 start, with FSG calling it a difficult decision despite his historic success. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎Cora’s association with the Red Sox dates back to his playing career, and his managerial tenure began in October 2017. He quickly delivered success, leading the franchise to a World Series triumph in 2018. For now, Chad Tracy, who manages Triple-A Worcester, will take charge in an interim role. ‎ ‎Commenting on the decision, John Henry—principal owner of Liverpool FC—praised Cora’s lasting influence. He credited the man...
Read more

Premier League Twist: Arsenal Urged to Abandon Cautious Style in Fierce Battle With Man City

Image
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice insisted after the defeat to Manchester City that the title fight is still alive, stressing, “It’s not done.” That belief is backed by City’s narrow 1-0 win over Burnley, which took them top only on goals scored, keeping the race extremely tight. ‎ Arsenal's title race with Man City heats up as Arteta faces calls to attack more, with crucial games ahead that could decide the Premier League crown. ‎Getty/GOAL ‎ City’s early strike through Erling Haaland suggested they might significantly boost their goal difference. They dominated chances, registering 28 shots with nine on target, yet could only convert once. The lack of clinical finishing left an opening Arsenal will see as encouragement. Haaland himself dismissed concerns over missed opportunities, stating that securing three points was the priority. Still, the failure to score more against Burnley is seen as a wasted chance that could influence the momentum of the title race. For Arsenal...
Read more

‎'Boring' Arsenal Won’t Be Remembered as Great Team, Says Paul Scholes

Image
‎Manchester United icon Paul Scholes believes Arsenal’s current success under Mikel Arteta will not guarantee them recognition among the greatest teams in English football history. ‎ ‎The Gunners are on course to secure their first Premier League title since 2004 and have also reached the Champions League final, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain. Yet Scholes remains unconvinced by the team’s overall quality and entertainment value. ‎ Manchester United legend Paul Scholes says Arsenal’s football under Mikel Arteta is “boring” despite the club chasing a Premier League and Champions League double. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎The former United star questioned whether Arsenal’s football deserves lasting admiration despite their impressive position in both competitions. Speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast, Scholes suggested the side lacks the excitement associated with legendary champions. ‎ ‎“I don’t think they’re the best champions we’ll ever see,” he said....
Read more

Mourinho Plays Down Real Madrid Return Talk, Praises Roma Experience

Image
‎Jose Mourinho has addressed increasing speculation surrounding a potential return to Real Madrid, firmly shifting attention back to his current responsibilities with Benfica. The experienced coach also reflected on his past, highlighting his time at AS Roma as the most meaningful chapter of his career. ‎ ‎Jose Mourinho reacts to Real Madrid return speculation, confirms focus on Benfica, and names Roma as the most memorable experience of his coaching career. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎ ‎Madrid speculation grows ‎ ‎Reports have suggested that Real Madrid could be considering Mourinho as a replacement for Alvaro Arbeloa, with club president Florentino Perez reportedly leading efforts to bring the Portuguese manager back. The Spanish giants, known for their European dominance, are said to be searching for stability after a difficult period. ‎ ‎Despite the growing links, Mourinho avoided engaging directly with the speculation, choosing instead to remain focused on his current ro...
Read more

Barcelona Lodge Fresh UEFA Complaint Over Atletico Champions League Exit

Image
Barcelona have taken further action by filing a new complaint with UEFA following their Champions League quarter-final elimination against Atletico Madrid. The Spanish side, who lost 3-2 on aggregate, remain deeply dissatisfied with officiating decisions across both matches. ‎ ‎Barcelona submit a second UEFA complaint over refereeing and VAR decisions in their Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid, citing major impact. ‎Getty Images Sport  This latest submission comes shortly after their initial protest, highlighting continued frustration with referees and VAR interventions. The club insists that multiple calls during both legs were mishandled and significantly influenced the outcome. Club president Joan Laporta voiced strong criticism, describing the officiating as unacceptable. Speaking publicly, he pointed to several contentious moments, including Pau Cubarsi’s red card, a suspected handball by Marc Pubill, Eric Garcia’s dismissal, a possible penalty involving D...
Read more

Lionel Messi Names Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal Among Top 2026 World Cup Favourites Ahead of Argentina

Image
Lionel Messi has offered a measured verdict on the leading contenders for the 2026 World Cup, admitting that several nations appear better prepared than reigning champions Argentina ahead of the competition in North America. ‎ ‎Lionel Messi says Portugal, France, Spain and Brazil look stronger than Argentina ahead of the 2026 World Cup as the Inter Miami star assesses the favourites. ‎Getty Images (2) ‎ The Argentina national football team captain believes the defending world champions are not entering the tournament as the clear favourites despite their triumph in Qatar. Instead, the Inter Miami CF star pointed to four countries he feels are currently in stronger shape. During an interview with Argentine journalist Pollo Alvarez, Messi stressed that Argentina must remain realistic about its standing among football’s elite. “We have to realise that ahead of us there are other favourites, who are arriving in better shape,” he explained. One of the standout teams mentioned by...
Read more

‎Ex-Arsenal Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Dropped by Olympique de Marseille After Wild Fire-Extinguisher Prank at Training Base

Image
‎Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been punished by Olympique de Marseille after a strange late-night episode at the club’s training centre resulted in disciplinary action ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Le Havre AC. ‎ ‎Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was excluded from Marseille’s clash with Le Havre after reportedly leading a fire-extinguisher prank at training. ‎Getty Images Sport  ‎As reported by L’Équipe, the former Arsenal and Barcelona forward was removed from the squad after allegedly taking a leading role in an incident involving several teammates at Marseille’s sporting residence on Thursday evening. ‎ ‎Players are believed to have become increasingly irritated by repeated overnight stays at the facility. In an effort to lift spirits inside the camp, Aubameyang reportedly guided a group of around 10 squad members through different parts of the building, creating disruption late into the night. ‎ ‎The situation escalated when a fire extinguisher was allegedly used during t...
Read more