Story perspectives

US to Host First World Cup Halftime Show with Madonna

5/16/2026

Summary

US Hosts Halftime

The United States will host the first FIFA World Cup halftime show on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, featuring Madonna, Shakira and BTS.
Chris Martin curated the show and announced the lineup with Sesame Street characters.
Global Citizen will produce the event and aims to raise $100 million for its Education Fund.
Billboard reports the halftime performance will run about 11 minutes.
Shakira recorded the tournament’s official song “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy.

Summary

FIFA Sparks Controversy

FIFA announced stricter player-discipline rules for the tournament, sparking debate over consistent enforcement.
Critics condemned the tournament’s dynamic ticket pricing, saying it pushes some seats into the thousands of dollars.
The White House imposed travel bans on about thirty nations, affecting several teams and creating diplomatic friction.
FIFA renamed MetLife Stadium “New York New Jersey Stadium,” prompting criticism of commercialisation.

Summary

FIFA Preps Halftime

A natural-grass surface was installed at MetLife Stadium on May 7 2026 for World Cup final and halftime concert.
Hamish Hamilton will direct the halftime performance.
FIFA executive Hugh Evans said the performers are huge soccer fans and will keep the show under 15 minutes.
The halftime show will feature Sesame Street and The Muppets characters.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced a Times Square takeover on the final weekend.

History

Historical Context

After FIFA chose the United States as host on July 4 1988, the 1994 World Cup became the first tournament on American soil, using existing stadiums and costing U.S. Soccer about $500 million while drawing a record 3.6 million spectators. That commercial success set a precedent for today’s planned halftime show, linking past revenue drives to new entertainment-sponsorship blends.

1 of 4

US Hosts Halftime

The United States will host the first FIFA World Cup halftime show on July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium, featuring Madonna, Shakira and BTS.
Chris Martin curated the show and announced the lineup with Sesame Street characters.
Global Citizen will produce the event and aims to raise $100 million for its Education Fund.
Billboard reports the halftime performance will run about 11 minutes.
Shakira recorded the tournament’s official song “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy.

1 / 4