Justin Bieber joins star-studded lineup for FIFA World Cup halftime show
Justin Bieber has been confirmed as a performer for the FIFA World Cup Final halftime show. The 11-minute production supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
Organizers have confirmed that Justin Bieber will join the performance roster for the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show. The event is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Bieber joins a previously announced headline group featuring Madonna, Shakira, and BTS for the 11-minute production.
The halftime show is curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, who has served in a coordinating capacity to assemble a diverse lineup of international talent. In addition to the headline acts, the performance will feature Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy, Venezuelan classical conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus, a group of elementary school students from Staten Island who will perform alongside Coldplay. The production will also incorporate appearances by characters from “Sesame Street” and The Muppets, including Kermit and Miss Piggy.
Media additions
The inclusion of a mid-game musical performance represents a departure from traditional soccer event formatting, where high-profile matches have historically favored pre-match entertainment. FIFA and concert organizers, including Global Citizen, Live Nation, and Done + Dusted, have designed the show to fit within the 15-minute halftime interval mandated by the laws of football. This follows a trial run at last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final at the same venue, which spanned over 24 minutes and prompted operational discussions regarding stage setup and disassembly time constraints.
"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, singer, via multiple outlets
The halftime show serves as a platform for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative with a stated goal of raising $100 million to provide access to education and football opportunities for children in underserved communities. According to tournament organizers, the fund has already generated over $50 million, supported in part by a $1 donation from every ticket sold for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches throughout the tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino noted the initiative's intent to link sport and humanitarian impact. Highlighting the global scale of the event, Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans described the coordination as the largest gathering of artists united for a cause since Live Aid. Organizers have also appealed to international leaders, specifically citing President Macron and Prime Minister Sánchez, to contribute to the fund.
For several participants, the performance holds specific cultural significance. Burna Boy, who performs the official tournament song "Dai Dai" with Shakira, described his role in the halftime show as a distinct honor.
"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."
Burna Boy, performer, via News.webindia123 and AP
The upcoming final match follows a tournament that has featured numerous musical performances. The opening match between the United States and Paraguay on June 12, 2026, included sets by Katy Perry, Tius Luka, Future, and Tyla. Other matches throughout the tournament have featured appearances by Lisa, Anitta, Rema, and various Canadian artists, including Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette.
While Bieber’s involvement has triggered significant online discourse regarding a potential world tour, no such announcement has been made. The singer’s last full concert tour occurred in 2022. As the July 19 date approaches, the halftime show is expected to be one of the most-watched musical segments in history, with officials anticipating a global broadcast reach in the billions.
