Justin Bieber will co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final halftime show on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. Joining Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, Bieber’s appearance is part of a Global Citizen production designed to raise $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund to expand children’s access to education and football.
The Lineup and Curation for the July 19 Performance
The halftime show is shaping up to be a massive global assembly. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bieber joins previously announced headliners Madonna, Shakira, and BTS. The performance is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at the New York New Jersey Stadium, which Deadline notes is officially known as MetLife Stadium at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Coldplay’s Chris Martin is curating the 11-minute spectacle. Martin’s role as the international curator of the Global Citizen Festival extends to this production, which also features a diverse cast of supporting acts.
- Burna Boy: Representing Africa in the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show.
- Gustavo Dudamel: The conductor will perform alongside the PS22 Chorus.
- PS22 Chorus: A choir of 4th and 5th graders from a Staten Island public elementary school.
- The Muppets: Kermit, Miss Piggy, and other characters will appear to support the educational theme.
The production is a joint effort between Global Citizen, Live Nation, and Done + Dusted. The scale of the collaboration is highlighted by the official song for the 2026 tournament, “Dai Dai,” a collaboration between Shakira and Burna Boy.
Funding the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund
The event is more than a musical showcase; it is a fundraising engine. The primary goal is to raise $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. As Deadline reports, the fund has already surpassed $50 million in contributions.
The funding strategy relies on a mix of grassroots contributions and high-level political commitments. A key driver is the tournament’s ticketing: $1 from every ticket sold to the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches is being donated throughout the event. This is supplemented by financial commitments from Prime Minister Carney of Canada and Prime Minister Montenegro of Portugal.
Bieber’s Return to the Public Stage
For Justin Bieber, this appearance marks a significant return. The Hollywood Reporter notes that this will be his first public performance since his headlining set at Coachella in April.
“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.”
Justin Bieber, in a statement
The sentiment of global unity is echoed by other performers. Burna Boy emphasized the weight of the moment, describing the performance as a responsibility he does not take lightly.
“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 honoured 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.”
Burna Boy, in a statement
The Intersection of Sport and Culture
Organizers are framing the 11-minute window as “a singular moment at the intersection of sport, culture and impact, broadcast live around the world.” By blending global pop icons like BTS and Madonna with orchestral elements from Gustavo Dudamel and the youth voices of the PS22 Chorus, the production seeks to mirror the international nature of the tournament.
The inclusion of the Muppets further signals an attempt to bridge the gap between high-profile entertainment and a clear, child-centric educational message. This strategy aligns with the broader goal of the Education Fund to expand access to quality schooling and football for children globally.
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