Madonna, Shakira and BTS will bring international flair to performances at the first FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, which will take place July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. The bill was curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
“Without education, children are denied opportunity before they even have a chance. Every child deserves access to quality learning — because education expands possibilities and creates lasting change,” says Madonna of the show, which will raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The endeavor has so far generated $30 million to expand access to quality education and football for children worldwide.
“I’ve spent my life doing two things — making songs and building schools. At the FIFA World Cup, those two paths come together,” Shakira counters. “Standing alongside Madonna and BTS, I’ll be performing ‘Dai Dai,’ the song I created for this FIFA World Cup and for the kids around the world we will reach with the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. My hope is that on the world’s biggest stage, the importance of investing in children’s education steals the show.”
They join previously announced performers for opening ceremonies at each host nation’s first match this summer, including Katy Perry, Future, LISA from BLACKPINK, Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, J Balvin, Anitta and Mexican rock royalty Maná.
Mexico gets the first kick on June 11, when it faces South Africa at Estadio Azteca. For the occasion, FIFA has lined up a heavyweight domestic bill featuring Maná, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda and cumbia legends Los Ángeles Azules, alongside South African pop breakout Tyla. Canada’s opener the following day in Toronto will boast Bublé, Morissette and Alessia Cara before the country takes on Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Hours after that match, the U.S. men’s national team opens against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with Perry set to headline and LISA also performing. FIFA has also recruited Future, Los Angeles-based DJ Sanjoy and Paraguayan singer Marilina Bogado.
Throughout, look for a rotating pool of international talent, including Balvin, Anitta, Danny Ocean, Elyanna and French hitmaker Vegedream, along with Canadian-connected artists Jessie Reyez, Nora Fatehi and William Prince.
