Justin Bieber has been confirmed as a co-headliner of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show, joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS for the first-ever halftime performance at a World Cup final. The show takes place on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium and is tied to a fundraising campaign targeting $100 million for children’s education worldwide.
A show built around children’s access to education
FIFA and Global Citizen are jointly producing the 11-minute broadcast performance. Over $50 million has already been raised for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, with $1 from every World Cup 2026 ticket sale going directly to the fund.
Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay will also perform. Coldplay’s Chris Martin is curating the show, which he described as being about togetherness and open to everyone. Characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets will also appear, reinforcing the show’s focus on children’s learning.
“When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “This groundbreaking spectacle will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.”
The fund has already distributed its first round of grants to community organizations across ten countries, supporting programmes that combine education, sport and local engagement for children in underserved communities. Nonprofits working in this space can find the fund’s full eligibility criteria and application details through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund portal.
Justin Bieber, Shakira and Madonna bring global reach to the campaign
Each headliner has spoken publicly about the purpose behind their participation. Bieber said he was grateful to be part of a show already helping expand access to education for children around the world. Burna Boy framed his involvement as both a privilege and a responsibility.
“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,” Burna Boy said. “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.”
The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Advisory Board includes Shakira, Serena Williams, Hugh Jackman and The Weeknd, among others. The fund targets expanded access to quality education for children in underserved communities, a goal shared by charities helping children access education worldwide that have long advocated for sport as a vehicle for learning.