Madonna, BTS and Shakira. Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation; Kim Min-Hee - Pool/Getty Images; Buda Mendes/Getty Images Madonna, Shakira and BTS will play the first-ever halftime show for the FIFA World Cup Final, the organization announced Wednesday night.
In a video (below) posted across social media at 9 p.m. PT Wednesday, Coldplay’s Chris Martin was joined by Elmo, Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog and Animal to share the news.
“But this show is more about we than me. I mean, it’s about togetherness,” Martin said.
The three acts will co-headline halftime during the World Cup’s final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a major music moment attached to the most-watched sporting event in the world. For U.S. viewers, the tournament is broadcasting on Fox in English and Telemundo in Spanish.
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The halftime show will also raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, improving access to quality education and football for children around the world.
FIFA first introduced a halftime show concept last year for the Club World Cup, where J Balvin, Doja Cat and Tems had performed. Both shows, put on in partnership with Global Citizen, were curated by Martin.
The new halftime show concept reflects a growing presence of music at major sporting events, with other examples including a recent “bridge show” from the Chainsmokers during the NCAA Basketball Final Four back in April.
The World Cup itself begins June 11, with matches set to be played at venues throughout the U.S. as well as in Canada and Mexico. This year marks the first time the U.S. has hosted the World Cup since 1994.
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