Shakira has shared her excitement ahead of performing at the first-ever halftime show during a FIFA World Cup final, describing the upcoming event as a landmark moment for both football and music. The Colombian superstar believes the performance will introduce a new tradition to the world’s biggest sporting event while bringing together some of the most recognizable artists on the planet.
The show is scheduled to take place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19. Unlike previous World Cup finals, which have featured entertainment before kickoff or after the trophy presentation, this will be the first time FIFA stages a major musical performance during halftime, similar to the format made famous by the Super Bowl.
A Star-Studded Lineup
Shakira will share the stage with an impressive group of international performers. The lineup includes Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, Burna Boy, Coldplay, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus. The production is expected to last around 11 minutes, fitting within an extended halftime designed specifically for the special event. According to FIFA and its partners, the performance aims to celebrate football’s global appeal by combining artists from different musical genres and cultures. Organizers hope the show will attract billions of viewers worldwide, making it one of the largest live entertainment events ever staged.
Shakira’s Long History With the World Cup
For Shakira, returning to the World Cup stage is particularly meaningful. She has become closely associated with football’s biggest tournament over the past two decades. Her 2010 anthem, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” became one of the most successful World Cup songs ever released and remains popular with football fans around the globe. She also performed at the 2014 World Cup and later headlined the historic Copa América final halftime show in 2024. Reflecting on the upcoming performance, Shakira said it feels special to be part of another milestone in football history. She acknowledged that bringing together so many world-famous performers in such a short show will be a unique challenge, but one she is looking forward to.
More Than Just Entertainment
The halftime show is intended to be more than a musical spectacle. FIFA has partnered with Global Citizen to use the event to promote the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative designed to help expand access to education and sport for children around the world. Organizers hope the performance will inspire viewers while raising awareness and financial support for charitable projects. The combination of sport, music, and philanthropy reflects FIFA’s ambition to give the World Cup an even broader cultural impact beyond the matches themselves.
Building Anticipation for the Final
Fans are eager to see how the first World Cup final halftime show will unfold. While details of the setlist remain secret, expectations are high given the experience and popularity of the performers involved. For Shakira, the event represents another opportunity to connect with a global audience through music while celebrating a competition that has played an important role throughout her career. She believes the occasion will be remembered not only for the football on the pitch but also for introducing a completely new chapter in World Cup history. If successful, the performance could establish a tradition that becomes part of future FIFA World Cup finals, combining elite sport with world-class entertainment for generations of fans to come.
