NEW YORK (AP) — The World Cup final will feature a star-studded halftime show headlined by Madonna, Shakira, and boy-band BTS.
FIFA announced Thursday that, for the first time, the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 will include a Super Bowl-style concert.
Soccer's governing body stated that the show would support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to help children access education and soccer.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino remarked that it would unite “music and football on the biggest stage in sport for a very special cause.”
“When you have a position of responsibility, you want to do everything you can to have a real impact,” Infantino expressed at the Global Citizen NOW conference in New York Thursday. “Not everyone can become a world champion, but everyone can become a little bit better by having the right education. So we embrace that.”
The show will be curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, who conceived the idea four years ago while watching the previous World Cup, according to Hugh Evans, CEO of the nonprofit Global Citizen, which has partnered with FIFA on the halftime show and the education fund.
Shakira stated at the conference that she has dedicated her entire adult life “making songs and building schools,” referring to her nonprofit Barefoot Foundation’s work.
“Finally, during this World Cup, those two paths meet,” said the “Hips Don't Lie” superstar, who added that she hopes her homeland of Colombia makes it to the World Cup final.
The Super Bowl is renowned for its halftime show, attracting the world's biggest stars for spectacular performances. This year featured Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny. Previous headliners included Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, and Rihanna.
However, halftime shows are not typical in soccer, with events like the Champions League final featuring a prematch concert. On May 30, the Killers will headline European club soccer's biggest game between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in Budapest.
Evans informed The Associated Press in an interview that everyone involved in the halftime show are avid soccer fans who wanted to ensure the performances would be “significantly shorter than the 15-minute mark,” which is the traditional interval in a match. “Soccer fans around the world can be rest assured knowing that we’re very respectful of the game,” Evans said.
Hamish Hamilton, who directed the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony and many recent Super Bowl halftime shows, will direct the World Cup halftime show, according to Evans.
The World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico and will take place throughout June and July.
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