FIFA is planning to introduce a halftime show at the World Cup final this summer, featuring iconic artists such as Shakira, Madonna, and K-pop sensation BTS. The event, set to take place at Metlife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, aims to emulate the popular Super Bowl-style concerts. Coldplay’s Chris Martin is curating the show, with hopes of raising $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, dedicated to enhancing children’s access to education and soccer.
The announcement was made through a video on Coldplay’s Instagram page, where Martin was joined by Sesame Street characters Elmo and Cookie Monster, along with a surprise appearance by BTS. While halftime performances are a staple of the Super Bowl, they are a novelty in soccer, where breaks are typically limited to 15 minutes for player rest as per regulations set by the International Football Association Board.
The decision has sparked discussions online, with some fans debating whether halftime shows should be exclusive to American football. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino believes that uniting music and football on a global stage for a charitable cause is a significant opportunity. The World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, will span from June to July this year.
In a related development, FIFA confirmed that Reggaeton star J Balvin will perform at the opening ceremony in Mexico City, joined by a lineup of Mexican artists celebrating the country’s culture. This edition of the World Cup is historic, being the first to be hosted across three nations, with Canada aspiring to secure its first-ever World Cup victory.