A Super Bowl-style halftime show is coming to soccer’s biggest event
Pop superstars Shakira, Madonna and BTS will headline the FIFA World Cup final’s halftime show, set to take place July 19 in New Jersey. It’s the first time the World Cup soccer final will feature a half-time performance, organizers said, calling it a “singular moment” that will be broadcast live around the world. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post.
The show will be curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who announced the lineup in a video early Thursday, taking suggestions on performers from members of the Muppets, including Elmo, the Cookie Monster and Miss Piggy. “How about Madonna? Elmo loves Madonna,” Elmo said, before calling BTS on speed dial to confirm they would join the party.
“Shakira’s in, and she’s bringing cookies,” Elmo said. The tournament will be held across the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 through July 19, with 48 countries taking part. Host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Miami, Houston and Seattle, as well as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Toronto and Vancouver.
The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19 at 3 p. m. The acts chosen appear to reflect the global popularity of the game.
Colombian superstar Shakira is due to release the official World Cup song, “Dai Dai,” on Thursday, which features Nigerian singer Burna Boy. She has also recorded songs for previous World Cups, including “Waka Waka” from 2010 and “La La La” from 2014. Pop legend Madonna is set to release her album “Confessions on a Dance floor II” on July 3 and recently appeared with Sabrina Carpenter at Coachella.