Hits from Madonna, BTS, Shakira, and Justin Bieber that would get the crowd pumped up at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show.
Like the NFL’s Super Bowl, the FIFA World Cup Final will have its own halftime show in 2026. With football’s biggest match taking place at New York New Jersey Stadium, it only makes sense for the biggest sporting event in the world to embrace an entertainment spectacle worthy of the occasion.
Leading the inaugural FIFA World Cup Halftime Show are legendary pop icon Madonna, football royalty Shakira, global superstar Justin Bieber, and one of the biggest K-pop groups on the planet, BTS. With millions watching across the globe, the lineup is stacked with performers capable of turning a 20-minute break into a historic moment.
Despite the mixed reactions surrounding the introduction of an extended halftime show, we’re excited to see what this first edition has in store. With only around 20 to 30 minutes available, each artist will likely have just three to five songs. Here’s what we’d love to hear.
BTS
Starting with one of the biggest groups in the world, BTS. Fresh off their long-awaited reunion and comeback album ARIRANG, the Bangtan boys couldn’t have returned at a better time. Their catalog is already filled with global hits, and now they have even more material to choose from.
‘Body to Body’
The opening track from ARIRANG feels like the ideal way to kick off BTS’ segment. It blends their newer sound with the energy that made them global superstars, making it an easy entry point for casual viewers while introducing the group’s latest era.
‘MIC Drop’
A BTS classic. Few songs in their catalog can energize a crowd the way MIC Drop can. Steve Aoki’s production and the song’s oomph make it a perfect halftime anthem.
‘Cypher Pt. 3: KILLER’
Give the rap line their moment. It’s been years since this track has been performed on a stage this massive, and even a shortened version would remind everyone why RM, SUGA, and j-hope remain one of K-pop’s best rap trios.
‘Dynamite’
Even people who don’t follow K-pop know Dynamite. A halftime show is just as much about reaching casual viewers as it is satisfying longtime fans, and this global smash does exactly that.
‘Dreamers’ (Jung Kook)
There’s no better closer. Besides being one of Jung Kook’s biggest solo songs, Dreamers was the official anthem of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. With Argentina back in another World Cup Final, bringing it back would be a fitting nod to the tournament’s recent history.
Madonna
Perhaps the one with the most halftime experience, Madonna knows exactly what it takes to command a stadium. More than a decade removed from her iconic Super Bowl halftime performance, the Queen of Pop still has it.
‘Vogue’
If Madonna is opening her set, there’s no better choice. It worked brilliantly during her Super Bowl halftime performance in 2012, and it still carries the same larger-than-life energy today.
‘Bring Your Love’
One of the standout tracks from her latest era. It would also open the door for a surprise appearance from Sabrina Carpenter, giving the halftime show one of its biggest crossover moments.
‘Like a Prayer’
A stadium-wide singalong with ‘Like a Prayer’ will be a nice touch. It is an emotional song and just a perfect track to end Madonna’s portion of the show on a high.
Shakira
When it comes to football, no artist is more synonymous with the FIFA World Cup than Shakira. From unforgettable opening ceremony performances to creating one of the tournament’s most iconic anthems, the Colombian superstar has become part of World Cup history. Returning to the stage once again feels like a natural fit.
‘Hips Don’t Lie’
The moment the opening horns hit, the stadium would erupt. Few songs can get a crowd moving as quickly as Hips Don’t Lie, making it the perfect way to begin Shakira’s set.
‘Dai Dai’
As one of the official songs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Dai Dai almost feels guaranteed to make the setlist. It’s the tournament’s newest anthem and deserves its spotlight on football’s biggest stage.
‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’
No World Cup performance from Shakira would feel complete without it. Sixteen years after becoming the soundtrack of South Africa 2010, Waka Waka remains synonymous with football. With Spain back in another World Cup Final, it would be a poetic full-circle moment.
Justin Bieber
The latest addition to the lineup is Justin Bieber. With a catalog that defined much of 2010s pop and a new era that’s been well received, Bieber has more than enough material for a memorable halftime medley. His recent Coachella set reminded everyone just how many hits he has, blending fan favorites with newer records that showed his evolution as an artist.
‘Beauty and a Beat’
There’s no better way to kick off a party with this certified banger. It’s loud, energetic, and tailor-made for a massive stadium audience. In any Justin Bieber performance, this one simply has to make the cut.
‘Daisies’
Mk.gee’s guitar work gives it a fresh sound while still feeling big enough for a global stage, proving that his newer material deserves just as much attention as his classics. We’ve seen it close out his set at Coachella and it would also be a welcome sight with this show.
‘Never Say Never’
The message alone makes it perfect for a World Cup Final. It’s inspirational without feeling forced, and its nostalgic value makes it an easy crowd favorite for fans who grew up with Bieber’s early hits.
‘Speed Demon’
To close things out, Speed Demon would inject one final burst of energy before play resumes. If FIFA wants to showcase where Bieber is artistically today instead of leaning entirely on nostalgia, this would be the ideal finale.
Banner Images from FIFA World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Madonna, BTS, Shakira, and Justin Bieber are confirmed to headline the inaugural FIFA World Cup Halftime Show in 2026, marking the first time the World Cup Final has featured an extended entertainment segment similar to the Super Bowl.
The halftime show is expected to run approximately 20 to 30 minutes, meaning each of the four headlining artists will likely perform a short set of roughly three to five songs during their individual segment.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, including its inaugural Halftime Show, is taking place at New York New Jersey Stadium, marking the first time football’s biggest match has featured a dedicated halftime entertainment production.
Shakira has performed at multiple past World Cup ceremonies and created some of the tournament’s most recognizable anthems, including tracks tied to the 2010 South Africa World Cup, making her a natural fit for the 2026 halftime lineup.
The article notes BTS recently reunited and released their comeback album ARIRANG, meaning their FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show appearance would come shortly after their return, giving them new material alongside their established catalog of hits.
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