Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final halftime show, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, FIFA announced Wednesday night.
Star-Studded Announcement
The announcement came via a video released on social media at 9 p.m. PT, featuring Coldplay's Chris Martin alongside beloved Muppet characters Elmo, Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog, and Animal. "But this show is more about we than me. I mean, it’s about togetherness," Martin stated.
A Global Stage
The World Cup Final halftime show will be broadcast in the United States on Fox in English and on Telemundo in Spanish. This performance marks a significant music moment attached to the world’s most-watched sporting event.
The show aims to raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, focusing on improving access to quality education and football for children globally. This initiative continues FIFA's partnership with Global Citizen, which first introduced the halftime show concept last year at the Club World Cup, featuring J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems.
Growing Music Presence at Sports Events
This new endeavor reflects the increasing presence of music at major sporting events, a trend also seen in The Chainsmokers' "bridge show" during the NCAA Basketball Final Four in April.
World Cup Returns to the U.S.
The FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, with matches taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This year marks the first time the U.S. has hosted the tournament since 1994.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-news/fifa-taps-madonna-shakira-bts-halftime-show-performance-1236595386/
