Justin Bieber will join Madonna, Shakira, and BTS as a headliner for the World Cup final's halftime show on July 19. The star-studded, Super Bowl-style performance will feature 11 minutes of entertainment curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin.
Also set to perform are Afrobeats artist Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus, a student choir from Staten Island, New York, which will be joined by Coldplay. Characters from "Sesame Street" and Muppets like Kermit and Miss Piggy are also scheduled to appear.
The halftime show aims to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative working to raise $100 million to help children access education and soccer globally. Bieber stated that he is grateful to be part of the show and to support expanded access to education for children.
Burna Boy, who shares the official World Cup song "Dai Dai" with Shakira, described the World Cup as a rare moment that brings the world together and called his participation a privilege. He and Shakira, who performed at the tournament's opening, will return to the stage together.
Unlike the Super Bowl, halftime shows are not a common feature of soccer events, which typically present pre-match concerts, such as those for the Champions League final. This year's World Cup halftime performance marks a departure with its elaborate lineup and format.