The 2026 World Cup is set to become a showcase not only for football but also for global pop culture, thanks to FIFA’s extensive music program. Concerts are being held in various cities ahead of the tournament, with music taking center stage during the opening ceremonies and a special show at the final.
The events began on Wednesday, just before the tournament’s start. Concerts took place in Mexico City, Toronto, and Los Angeles. The first matches are scheduled for Thursday in Mexico and Friday in Canada and the US, with stadium openings also expected to feature significant musical performances.
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 most striking part of the tournament will be the 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 create a sense of global unity. Evans explained that the show draws inspiration from a vision imagined by Chris Martin and aims to highlight commonalities that bring people together.
The cost of this final show is said 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 viewership record for a music performance. The attention generated is also expected 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 attracted 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 transforms the tournament into a rich cultural showcase rather than a single musical style.
The report also emphasized that participating in such major events can boost artists’ streaming numbers and revenue. For those seeking a wider audience, the World Cup stage is not just a performance venue but a powerful promotional platform.
This show holds special significance for Madonna as well. The 67-year-old artist has not had a breakout moment on 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 use music-focused promotional strategies. FIFA’s plan reveals an ambition to make the World Cup not only a sports tournament but also a multi-layered event at the heart of the global entertainment industry.
