Justin Bieber and Burna Boy join Madonna, Shakira and BTS for first World Cup final halftime show

The lineup

FIFA and Global Citizen confirmed on July 8 that Justin Bieber and Burna Boy will perform at the World Cup final halftime show, joining previously announced co-headliners Madonna, Shakira and BTS. The show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, will also feature Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus from Staten Island, and characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets. The 11-minute performance is the first halftime show in World Cup history, modeled after the Super Bowl's iconic entertainment break.

The format and logistics

The halftime show will take place during the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. FIFA says more than a billion people watched at least part of the 2022 final, and the 2026 edition is expected to draw a similar global audience. FIFA's standard halftime break is 15 minutes, but the 11-minute performance, plus stage setup and removal, is expected to extend the pause. A rehearsal at the same venue during last year's Club World Cup saw the break stretch to 24 minutes. The performers will not be paid, similar to the Super Bowl model where artists trade compensation for the exposure of performing at one of the world's most-watched events.

Fundraising for education

The event supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. Half of that goal, $50 million, has already been raised, and $1 from every World Cup ticket sold will be matched as a donation. Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Citizen, described the gathering as "the single largest gathering of artists united for a cause since Live Aid."

When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education.

Artist reactions

Justin Bieber said the World Cup "brings the world together in a way nothing else can" and expressed gratitude that the show is already helping expand education access. Burna Boy called representing Africa on the first-ever halftime show "a privilege and a responsibility" and said he was honored to be part of a performance that celebrates football and culture while creating opportunities for children.

To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don't take lightly.

The road to July 19

The halftime show concept was first unveiled in May when Chris Martin announced Shakira, Madonna and BTS via a video featuring Sesame Street and Muppets characters. The addition of Bieber and Burna Boy completes the lineup for what FIFA president Gianni Infantino called "the biggest stage ever" with a potential audience of billions.