A Star-Studded Lineup Takes Shape
The 11-minute halftime performance, curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, will also feature Afrobeats star Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus — a choir of elementary school students from Staten Island, New York — who will be joined by Coldplay. espn.com
Reports that Bieber was in talks to join the lineup had circulated for about a week before FIFA’s official confirmation. The Canadian pop star’s addition rounds out what is being billed as a Super Bowl-style spectacle for global soccer’s biggest stage. complex.com espn.com
Supporting a Global Education Initiative
The halftime show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to help children worldwide access education and soccer, according to ESPN. The World Cup final is set to kick off at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 19. globalcitizen.org espn.com
A First for the World Cup
The performance marks the first time FIFA has staged a dedicated halftime show during the World Cup final, following a format long associated with the NFL’s Super Bowl. The decision to create such a production reflects FIFA’s push to elevate the entertainment surrounding the 2026 tournament, which is being hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. usatoday.com deadline.com
