Justin Bieber, Shakira, Madonna. Take your pick for the 2026 FIFA World Cup half-time show in New Jersey.
Lionel Messi’s defending champions Argentina and European champions Spain will go head-to-head in the showpiece decider on Monday (AEST).
SPAIN V ARGENTINA: World Cup final, half time show key details as history awaits
All eyes will be on MetLife Stadium, where Messi and Argentina are eyeing back-to-back World Cup titles – a feat not achieved since Brazil in 1962. Spain, meanwhile, are seeking just their second global crown and first since 2010.
As well as some of football’s biggest stars, the blockbuster clash will feature some of the world’s biggest artists and performers.
Who is performing during the World Cup final half-time show?
The 2026 World Cup will feature a half-time show for the first time in the tournament’s history.
The historic half-time show will be curated by Chris Martin from Coldplay.
There will be five co-headliners set to perform during the 11-minute broadcast for fans in the stadium and supporters at home:
Canadian singer Justin Bieber.
Legendary American artist Madonna. Her song ‘Read My Lips’ features on the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album.
Colombian sensation Shakira returns to perform at half-time, having headlined the opening ceremony. Her song ‘Dai Dai’ alongside Burna Boy is the official song of the 2026 World Cup.
Popular South Korean boyband BTS.
Los Angeles Philharmonic music director Gustavo Dudamel will also feature.
Characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets will be part of the show. Their inclusion reinforces the purpose of the World Cup 2026 final half-time show: to help ensure children around the world have access to quality education.
The half-time show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise USD $100 million ($143.2 million AUD) to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide.
Want the latest football news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the Football360 Daily newsletter today. It’s FREE!
“When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education. We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world,” said FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and PS 22 Chorus ft. Coldplay will also join and play a key role in conveying a powerful message of unity and hope to billions of people worldwide. As the world unites for the most significant football match in history on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, this ground-breaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.”
Why is FIFA breaking the rules with half-time show?
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) prohibits the interval of any football match lasting more than 15 minutes as broadcasters brace themselves for a 30-minute break.
If the 11-minute half-time show production exceeds that time, it would break the IFAB rules.
However, FIFA has already flouted them at last year’s Club World Cup with a production that lasted 25 minutes.
How to watch the 2026 World Cup final half-time show in Australia
Australian fans can watch the half-time show live and free on SBS or stream it digitally via SBS On Demand on Monday (AEST).
The half-time show is expected to take place between 5:50am and 6am (AEST) on Monday.
World Cup Final kick-off time at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Date: Sunday 19 July (local) / Monday 20 July (AEST)
Time: 3pm (local) / 5am (AEST)
Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium
Broadcast: SBS and SBS On Demand