FIFA is preparing to introduce a new chapter in the history of the FIFA World Cup by staging a major halftime entertainment show during the 2026 World Cup final, marking the first time the tournament’s biggest match will feature a performance inspired by the spectacle traditionally associated with the Super Bowl.
The groundbreaking initiative is expected to combine football and music on an unprecedented scale, with internationally acclaimed artists reportedly lined up to perform before millions of fans inside the stadium and billions of television viewers around the world.
Among the global stars expected to headline the event is Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy, whose remarkable rise from African music icon to international superstar has made him one of the continent’s biggest cultural ambassadors. He is expected to share the stage with Colombian pop legend Shakira, American music icons Madonna and Justin Bieber, as well as South Korean supergroup BTS, creating one of the most diverse musical lineups ever assembled for a sporting event.
The halftime performance is expected to last approximately 11 minutes, while the overall break between the first and second halves could be extended beyond the traditional 15 minutes to allow for the construction and removal of the stage. FIFA believes the additional time will ensure the show is delivered without affecting the quality of the match or the safety of players and officials.
The project is being developed in collaboration with Global Citizen, the international advocacy organisation known for organising large scale concerts that promote education, equality and humanitarian causes. British musician Chris Martin, the lead vocalist of Coldplay, is also playing a key role in helping shape the creative direction of the event.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has consistently expressed his desire to make the World Cup the most celebrated sporting event in the world, combining elite football with world class entertainment capable of reaching audiences far beyond traditional football supporters.
The introduction of a halftime concert reflects football’s growing commercial appeal and FIFA’s determination to expand the tournament’s global entertainment value. Similar approaches have long been successful in American sports, particularly the National Football League’s Super Bowl, where halftime performances have become cultural events watched by millions of people worldwide.
For Burna Boy, the reported invitation represents another landmark achievement in a career that has seen him become one of Africa’s most influential musicians. The Grammy Award winner has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages and has consistently promoted African music to international audiences through chart topping albums and sold out arena tours.
His potential appearance at the World Cup final would further strengthen Nigeria’s presence on the global entertainment stage while highlighting the worldwide popularity of Afrobeats. The genre has experienced remarkable international growth in recent years, with Nigerian artists continuing to dominate streaming platforms and headline major festivals across Europe, North America and Asia.
Shakira’s inclusion would also carry special significance because of her long association with football. Her iconic World Cup anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) remains one of the most successful football songs ever produced and continues to enjoy widespread popularity more than a decade after its release.
While excitement surrounding the proposed halftime show continues to grow, the initiative has also generated debate within the football community. Some supporters have welcomed the idea as an opportunity to modernise the tournament and attract new audiences, while others believe extending halftime could disrupt the rhythm of the match and alter long established football traditions.
Despite the differing opinions, FIFA appears committed to delivering an event that celebrates both sport and culture while maintaining the prestige of the World Cup final.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is already expected to be the biggest edition in the tournament’s history, with an expanded field of 48 participating nations and a record number of matches. The addition of a global halftime concert is another example of FIFA’s ambition to create an unforgettable experience for supporters around the world.
As anticipation builds ahead of the final, football fans will not only be looking forward to seeing the world’s best players compete for the most coveted trophy in the sport but also to witnessing a historic entertainment spectacle that could redefine future World Cup celebrations.
