Grammy Award-winning Nigerian music star Burna Boy has been confirmed as one of the headline performers for the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show, joining an international lineup that includes Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and South Korean pop sensation BTS.
FIFA made the announcement on Wednesday, confirming that the groundbreaking 11-minute musical performance will take place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
The show will mark the first halftime entertainment performance in the history of a FIFA World Cup final, introducing a format similar to the globally celebrated NFL Super Bowl halftime show.
Justin Bieber has been announced as one of the co-headliners alongside music icons Madonna, Shakira and BTS.
“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 said.
Representing Africa on the global stage, Burna Boy described the opportunity as both an honour and a responsibility.
“The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire world together. 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 said.
The star-studded event will also feature acclaimed Venezuelan conductor and Music Director of the New York Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel.
Also scheduled to perform are the award-winning PS22 Chorus and British rock band Coldplay.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has been appointed to curate the halftime spectacle, which will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
The initiative is designed to expand access to quality education while creating more football opportunities for children across the world.
According to FIFA, the event will use football’s biggest stage to promote learning, inclusion and youth development through sport.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said education remains one of the world’s most important priorities, adding that the halftime show provides a unique platform to inspire positive change.
“When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education.
“We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world,” Infantino said.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is expected to attract hundreds of millions of viewers globally, making the halftime show one of the biggest entertainment events ever staged by football’s governing body.
The inclusion of Burna Boy further highlights the growing global influence of African music, with the Nigerian superstar becoming one of the continent’s biggest cultural ambassadors on the international stage.
