Justin Bieber has been added to the superstar lineup for the first-ever Fifa World Cup final halftime show – joining Madonna, Shakira and K-pop megastars BTS as co-headliners.
Bieber said he was grateful to be involved in a good cause.
“The Fifa World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can,” he said. “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.”
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The show is curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and will also feature Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay and Nigerian star Burna Boy, the latter collaborating with Shakira to create the official World Cup anthem Dai Dai.
Burna Boy said performing at the first World Cup final halftime show was a major moment.
“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,” he said.
The show will even feature characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets.
Before today’s announcement, there had been concern about the length of the show impacting the football game.
Fifa had previously faced questions over whether a Super Bowl-style performance could stretch the halftime break beyond the regulation 15 minutes, with last year’s Club World Cup final at the same stadium running 24 minutes, according to Sky Sport.
However Fifa revealed today the halftime show would be 11 minutes long.
The show would support the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise US$100 million ($175m) to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide.
Fifa said more than US$50m ($88m) had already been raised for the fund, including US$1 from every ticket sold to Fifa World Cup 2026 matches.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said Bieber’s addition strengthened what he described as a “groundbreaking spectacle” designed to blend football, music and social impact.
The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is the largest in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 teams.
The kick off for final is scheduled for 7am on July 20 (New Zealand time) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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Source: New Zealand Herald
