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FIFA Unveils Star-Studded 2026 Final Halftime, $100M Goal

5/15/2026

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Summary

FIFA Announces Halftime

FIFA announced that the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026 will include a halftime show.
Madonna, Shakira and BTS will co-headline the show, with curation by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
Sesame Street and Muppets characters such as Elmo, Cookie Monster, Kermit and Miss Piggy will appear.
FIFA aims to raise $100 million for the Global Citizen Education Fund by donating $1 per ticket.

Summary

FIFA hikes tickets

Ticket prices for the 2026 final are reported as higher-than-sky-high, raising affordability concerns.
The venue is being renamed “New York New Jersey Stadium,” a change tied to revenue.
FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund has raised over $30 million, with $1 from each ticket.
Chris Martin, the 2026 show curator who also produced the 2025 Club World Cup halftime, will oversee an 11-minute halftime performance.

History

Historical Context

FIFA awarded the 1994 World Cup to the United States on July 4 1988, citing ready-made stadiums and a $500 million budget. The tournament set financial records, drawing 3,587,538 spectators and introducing indoor play and three-point wins. Brazil won the final on penalties, becoming the first nation with four titles. Those successes shape expectations for the 2026 final at MetLife Stadium.

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FIFA Announces Halftime

FIFA announced that the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026 will include a halftime show.
Madonna, Shakira and BTS will co-headline the show, with curation by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
Sesame Street and Muppets characters such as Elmo, Cookie Monster, Kermit and Miss Piggy will appear.
FIFA aims to raise $100 million for the Global Citizen Education Fund by donating $1 per ticket.

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