International music icons Madonna, Shakira and K-pop star BTS will headline the first-ever Super Bowl-style half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final.
The artistes will perform during the World Cup final in New Jersey on July 19, at the conclusion of the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
As reported by BBC Sport, the show is expected to last about 11 minutes, though there have been suggestions it could extend beyond 15 minutes – even as FIFA regulations indicate that it should not exceed 15 minutes.
This marks the first time a World Cup final will feature a half-time entertainment show of this scale, bringing a Super Bowl-style format to global football.
Describing the initiative as a milestone for football, FIFA President, Gianni Infantino said: “It will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup, befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”
Shakira, who performed at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with her hit, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), is also expected to release an official tournament song, Dai Dai, featuring Nigerian singer, Burna Boy.
Madonna, bestselling female artiste of all time, is preparing for the release of her 15th studio album, while BTS continues his global comeback following a break for mandatory military service.
Coldplay’s Chris Martin will curate the half-time show and would also support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at raising $100 million to expand access to education for children worldwide.