Pop music superstars Shakira, Madonna, and BTS are set to headline the World Cup's first-ever halftime performance, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Organizers are calling the halftime show a 'singular moment' that will be broadcast live globally.
Lineup Announcement
The halftime show lineup was announced by Coldplay's lead singer, Chris Martin, who is curating the show. In the announcement, Martin took performance suggestions from several Muppets, including Elmo, Miss Piggy, and Cookie Monster. 'How about Madonna? Elmo loves Madonna,' Elmo said. The beloved Sesame Street character then called BTS on speed dial to confirm whether they would join the show. 'Shakira's in, and she's bringing cookies,' said Elmo.
Musical Acts Reflect International Teams
The selection of musical acts appears to reflect the international teams represented in the World Cup, according to the Washington Post. Shakira, from Colombia, was scheduled to release 'Dai Dai,' the official World Cup song, on the day of the announcement. The song also features Nigerian singer Burna Boy. The 'Whenever, Wherever' singer is no stranger to World Cup anthems, having previously performed 'Waka Waka' in 2010 and 'La La La' in 2014. Representing the United States is pop legend Madonna, who is set to release her new album, 'Confessions on a Dance Floor II,' on July 3. South Korean supergroup BTS returns to the stage after a nearly four-year hiatus due to military service and solo projects.
Halftime Show Details
Halftime shows are common at American sporting events, such as the NFL's Super Bowl, but they are not typical for international soccer events. Halftime in soccer lasts 15 minutes. The show's organizers did not elaborate on the expected duration, and it is not known whether the performance could extend beyond the 15-minute window. The duration of halftime can be changed only with referee permission, according to International Football Association Board rules. A halftime show was held during last summer's Club World Cup final. Organized by FIFA and anti-poverty charity Global Citizen, the 24-minute show featured America's Doja Cat, Colombia's J Balvin, and Nigeria's Tems.
Charitable Initiative
Organizers say the World Cup halftime show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to expand access to soccer and education for children globally.
