Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy will join global music icons including Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS for the first-ever halftime performance at a FIFA World Cup final.
FIFA announced on Wednesday that the historic 11-minute show will take place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final scheduled for July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Prompt News reports Justin Bieber will serve as one of the co-headliners alongside Madonna, Shakira and BTS, the South Korean pop group.
Other performers announced for the event include Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who is the music and artistic director of the New York Philharmonic, as well as the PS22 Chorus, which will perform alongside British rock band Coldplay.
The halftime show will mark the first time the World Cup final introduces a Super Bowl-style entertainment segment, bringing together football and a major global music spectacle.
The performance has been curated by Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, and will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative focused on expanding access to education and football opportunities for children worldwide.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the event would promote education and create more opportunities for young people across the globe.
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“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,” he said.
“Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and PS22 Chorus featuring 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, July 19, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium, this groundbreaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.”
The announcement adds to a growing list of global appearances by Nigerian artistes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Rema, Burna Boy and Davido previously performing at major events connected to the tournament, highlighting the increasing international influence of Afrobeats.
