Madonna, Shakira and K-pop group BTS are set to headline a historic halftime show at this summer’s FIFA World Cup final, marking the first time such an entertainment segment will be staged at football’s biggest match.
The final, which will take place in New Jersey on 19 July, is part of the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Reports say the halftime performance will last about 11 minutes.
The show is being described as a Super Bowl-style production, a format that is common in American football but has never been featured at a World Cup final before.
Shakira is also expected to play a key role in the event. The singer, who performed the 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” is set to release a new official tournament song titled “Dai Dai,” featuring Nigerian artist Burna Boy. The title is an Italian phrase meaning “let’s go” or “come on.”
Madonna, one of the most successful female artists in music history, will also headline the performance. The 67-year-old recently made a surprise appearance at Coachella, where she performed some of her biggest hits, including “Vogue” and “Like a Prayer.”
BTS, one of the most successful music groups globally, will also perform. The group recently reunited after completing mandatory military service and is currently preparing for a large-scale world tour.
Organisers say the halftime show is part of efforts to expand the entertainment experience around the World Cup final, with the performance expected to last roughly 11 minutes.
