​Justin Bieber is set to headline the first ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, joining a star-studded lineup that includes Madonna, BTS, and Shakira. The announcement came on Wednesday from FIFA officials together with the Global Citizen charity, confirming that the Canadian pop icon will perform at the glamorous halftime event scheduled for July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In a message that underscored the global reach of football’s biggest tournament, Bieber said, “The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can. I’m grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world.”
In addition to Bieber and the established names already slated for the show, Nigerian star Burna Boy will contribute his voice to the 11-minute televised spectacle. Burna Boy, who collaborated with Shakira on Dai Dai—the official song for this year’s FIFA World Cup—expressed his enthusiasm for the momentous performance. “The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire world together,” he stated. “To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I’m honored to be part of a performance that not only celebrates football and culture but also helps create greater opportunities for children through education around the world.”
The production is being curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, with renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the PS 22 Chorus also taking part. The Halftime Show is designed not only to entertain but also to fundraise for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a charitable initiative aimed at expanding access to quality education and football for children globally. The fund’s mission emphasizes using sport and music to open doors for young people, and the show’s organizers have framed it as a catalyst for lasting social impact beyond the final whistle.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized that the inaugural Halftime Show will celebrate football, music, and shared human values, with a commitment to leaving a tangible legacy that extends well after the arena lights dim. He noted that this landmark event will set a precedent for integrating sport, culture, and philanthropy on one of football’s most watched stages, ensuring that the World Cup’s influence endures long after the final whistle.
Fans can expect a performance that blends high-energy pop and global rhythms with cinematic production values, matched by the philanthropic aim of the program. The event is positioned to be more than a concert; it’s a platform that aligns entertainment with social responsibility, leveraging the worldwide attention surrounding the World Cup Final to spotlight education initiatives and opportunities for young people around the world. As a result, the Halftime Show is being billed as a milestone in the sport’s cultural resonance, one that fuses music, sport, and social impact in a single, unforgettable experience.