Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will perform at the first-ever World Cup final halftime show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. This event comes after Global Citizen's 2024 announcement of a partnership with FIFA, aiming to introduce Super Bowl-style entertainment to the soccer tournament.
Global Citizen and FIFA Partnership
Global Citizen's collaboration with FIFA was unveiled at its New York festival in 2024. Chris Martin, a key figure at Global Citizen, curated the lineup for this historic halftime show. The announcement featured Sesame Street characters, highlighting the event's broad appeal.
Artists' Commitment to Education
In a press release, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS emphasized the importance of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to provide children worldwide with access to quality education and soccer. Madonna stated, "Without education, children are denied opportunity before they even have a chance." Shakira, who has long been involved in educational initiatives, mentioned, "I have spent my life doing two things—making songs and building schools," aligning her passions with this new endeavor. BTS added that music is "the universal language of hope and harmony," and they intend to celebrate this at the World Cup.
FIFA's New Entertainment Strategy
FIFA's move towards a more entertainment-focused format includes multiple shows leading up to the event. The opening ceremony will feature performances by Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, and Lisa. This shift mirrors the spectacle seen at the Super Bowl, aiming to enhance the viewer experience.
Shakira's World Cup Anthem
Shakira recently released "Dai Dai," the official World Cup anthem, amid a series of high-profile releases following her 2023 tax issues. The anthem is part of FIFA's effort to create memorable musical moments at the tournament.
Halftime Show Precedents
Last year, the FIFA Club World Cup trialed a halftime show with Doja Cat, Tems, and J Balvin, setting the stage for this year's grander performance. The success of this event encouraged FIFA to expand entertainment offerings at its flagship tournament.
With artists like Madonna, Shakira, and BTS on board, the World Cup final is set to deliver a halftime show that matches the excitement of the game itself.
Source: https://pitchfork.com/news/madonna-shakira-and-bts-set-for-first-ever-world-cup-final-halftime-show/
