The upcoming FIFA World Cup finale is already shaping up to be one of the biggest entertainment events of the decade, thanks in part to a halftime lineup that reads more like an awards show than a soccer match. Organizers confirmed that global superstars Shakira, BTS, and Madonna will take the stage during the championship match in what promises to be a dazzling, globe-spanning performance.
Fans can reportedly expect massive choreography, multilingual performances, elaborate visual effects, and a production designed to rival the spectacle of the Super Bowl halftime show. Social media has already erupted with excitement over the unlikely combination of Latin pop, K-pop, and classic pop royalty sharing one stage.
Chris Martin from Coldplay curated the event, with help from Elmo, who apparently has ALL the stars on speed dial (see video below.)
Like many major televised sporting performances, (see: the Super Bowl) the halftime appearance is being treated as a prestige event rather than a traditional concert payday. Industry experts say the exposure from performing in front of a worldwide audience of hundreds of millions can translate into huge spikes in streaming numbers, music sales, merchandise, and future tour demand.
And in this case, the World Cup is supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
“Performing at the FIFA World Cup final in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is deeply meaningful to me. Without education, children are denied opportunity before they even have a chance. Every child deserves access to quality learning — because education expands possibilities and creates lasting change,” said Madonna in a statement.
