The 2026 World Cup is set to become not only a showcase for football but also a global pop culture event, thanks to FIFA's extensive music program. Concerts are being held in various countries ahead of the tournament, with music taking center stage during the opening ceremonies and the special finale show.
The events kicked off on Wednesday, just before the tournament begins. Concerts were held in Mexico City, Toronto, and Los Angeles. The first matches are scheduled for Thursday in Mexico, and on Friday in Canada and the USA, with stadium openings expected to prominently feature music.
Stars Unite on One Stage
The core of the organization is to bring together globally recognized stars and regional artists in the same program. Notable names include Katy Perry, Alanis Morissette, Future, Anitta, Lisa, and Rema. Additionally, artists with strong followings in their home countries, such as Los Angeles Azules, Norah Fatehi, and Ferg, will also participate.
Producers say this approach is designed to unite diverse audiences under one roof. Clayton Durant, a music operations expert at New York University, explained that FIFA and marketing teams are working in coordination to make music a connecting thread for audiences worldwide.
Trio Performance Planned for the Final
The tournament's most striking segment will be the first-ever triple music show planned for halftime at the final on July 19 near New York. Madonna, Shakira, and the South Korean group BTS are confirmed to perform.
Hugh Evans, head of co-producer Global Citizen, said the program is designed to foster a sense of global unity. Evans explained that the show draws inspiration from a vision imagined by Chris Martin, aiming to highlight commonalities that bring people together.
The cost of this final show is reported to be comparable to the Super Bowl halftime show, considered the biggest stage in American football, with a budget ranging between 10 and 20 million dollars. It was also noted that the artists will participate voluntarily.
The event is expected to reach approximately two billion viewers. If achieved, this would set a new viewing record for a music performance. The attention garnered is also anticipated to contribute to the education fund established by FIFA and Global Citizen.
Shakira to Be the Face of the Tournament Again
FIFA's choice of Shakira for the official World Cup song drew attention. The artist, who gained worldwide success with the iconic 2010 World Cup song "Waka Waka," collaborated with Burna Boy on her new track "Da Da Da."
The song blends Latin pop with afrobeats, and the official album features diverse artists such as Major Lazer, Daddy Yankee, and The Rolling Stones. With this album, FIFA is turning the tournament into a multifaceted cultural showcase rather than a single musical style.
The report also highlighted that participating in such major events can boost artists' streaming numbers and revenue. For those seeking a wider audience, the World Cup stage serves not only as a performance venue but also as a powerful promotional platform.
This show holds special significance for Madonna as well. The 67-year-old artist has not achieved a breakthrough of this scale since her 2005 album "Confessions on a Dance Floor" and is preparing to release her new album "Confessions 2" in early July.
The text also pointed out that major sports events like the NFL and Formula 1 similarly benefit from music-focused promotional strategies. FIFA's plan reveals an ambition to make the World Cup not just a sports tournament but a complex event at the heart of the global entertainment industry.
