Story perspectives

Shakira, Madonna, BTS headline US 2026 World Cup halftime.

7/15/2026

Summary

USA Hosts Halftime

The United States will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 half-time show, featuring Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS and directed by musician Chris Martin.
FIFA lists the half-time broadcast at 11 minutes.
The setlist includes Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie,” BTS’s “Dynamite,” Justin Bieber’s “Sorry,” and Madonna’s “Vogue.”
Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini and Jennifer Hudson will perform at the closing ceremony, with Tom Cruise and iShowSpeed as guests.

Summary

Fans Criticize FIFA

Fans on X criticized FIFA’s “Americanising” of the World Cup as a distraction.
Another user warned FIFA forgot this is football, not a concert.
The final is scheduled for July 19, 3 p.m. EDT at MetLife Stadium, with broadcasts on BBC/ITV (U.K.) and FOX/Telemundo (U.S.).
Spain beat France to reach the final and will face Argentina or England, a pairing the FBI calls highest-risk.

Summary

FIFA Announces Broadcast

FIFA announced the 2026 final will air on FOX and Telemundo at 3 PM ET.
Telemundo peaked at 41 million viewers while England’s 2-1 win over Norway drew 16.8 million UK viewers on ITV1.
Heimo Schirgi, FIFA chief operating officer, said the closing ceremony will blend music, culture and football and will benefit Global Citizen Education Fund.
Tom Cruise will make an appearance echoing his 2024 Paris Olympic stunt, highlighting the tournament’s Hollywood spectacle.

History

Historical Context

South Africa’s 2010 World Cup opening ceremony—held 11 June at Johannesburg’s Soccer City, declared open by President Jacob Zuma and featuring Shakira’s “Waka Waka”—showcased a pop-sport blend that drew global attention. Staged with 1,500 performers and featuring Mandela’s brief appearance after the closing ceremony, it created a template the 2026 MetLife Stadium halftime show now follows for future.

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USA Hosts Halftime

The United States will host the FIFA World Cup 2026 half-time show, featuring Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS and directed by musician Chris Martin.
FIFA lists the half-time broadcast at 11 minutes.
The setlist includes Shakira’s “Hips Don’t Lie,” BTS’s “Dynamite,” Justin Bieber’s “Sorry,” and Madonna’s “Vogue.”
Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini and Jennifer Hudson will perform at the closing ceremony, with Tom Cruise and iShowSpeed as guests.

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