FIFA has confirmed that Justin Bieber will perform at the World Cup final half-time show, co-headlining alongside Madonna, Shakira, and South Korean boy band BTS, reports BritPanorama.
The performance is set to highlight “football, music and social impact” in what will be the first-ever half-time show at the FIFA World Cup, taking place at the New York-New Jersey Stadium.
Nigerian artist Burna Boy will additionally feature in an 11-minute broadcast during the half-time event, collaborating with Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS 22 Chorus, and Coldplay.
Bieber, 32, whose hits include “Sorry,” “Baby,” and “Never Say Never,” joins this illustrious line-up as part of FIFA’s effort to raise $100 million (£74.5 million) for its Global Citizen Education Fund. This initiative aims to enhance access to quality education and football opportunities for children globally.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated that $1 from every World Cup match ticket sold will be donated to support social projects worldwide. He emphasized the importance of education, claiming it to be “the most significant need in the world.” Infantino also noted that this “groundbreaking spectacle” will ensure a legacy that extends beyond the match itself.
Concerns regarding the performance’s duration have been alleviated, with FIFA clarifying that it will last 11 minutes, despite initial reports suggesting potential overruns. Comparatively, the half-time show at the 2025 Club World Cup lasted just over 15 minutes, prompting scrutiny on adherence to match regulations.
As the countdown to the final continues, with merely eight matches remaining, attention will also fall on the presence of US President Donald Trump, who will reportedly present the trophy to the winner. Infantino reiterated the collaborative celebration that will unfold as the world watches this pivotal sporting event.
This spectacle not only reveals the intersection of sport and celebrity but also highlights the critical role education plays in reshaping lives. On a stage as grand as the World Cup, the merging of music and football has the power to resonate, reminding us just how transformative these moments can be.
