For the first time ever, FIFA will host a half-time show during a game at one of its events. The show, featuring Madonna, Shakira and BTS, will come with a stage and supporting performers similar to what is happening during the break at the Super Bowl. The event will certainly put (additional) pressure on the grass team responsible for the surface.
The halftime show will happen during the final game of the tournament, which will be played on 19 July at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
The performance will be curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and broadcast live to viewers.
“Madonna, Shakira and BTS are global icons whose music transcends borders and generations, and we are proud to welcome them to the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“As the world comes together for the biggest match in football on 19 July 2026 in New York New Jersey, this historic show will also shine a light on a greater purpose by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our shared mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. It will be a celebration of football, unity and shared humanity that will resonate far beyond the final whistle.”
Grass team notably absent
The stadium in question is the MetLife Stadium, a venue that usually features a synthetic turf surface. The venue is expected to host five games during the group stages, and two during the knock-out stages before hosting the final. Like all other tournament venues, the stadium is currently fitted with a reinforced natural grass surface. Once the event is over, the grass will be removed to reintroduce the synthetic turf.
The concept FIFA will use is very vulnerable and typically designed for an overnight renovation. While this could work for only hosting games, the impact of erecting and dismantling a massive stage within minutes, and dozens of performers on the sensitive turf is untested territory for all involved.
To make it all happen, half time will now last 30 minutes instead of the usual 15 minutes.
While FIFA has managed to secure quotes from Madonna, Shakira and BTS, who are always globetrotting and very difficult to get hold of, the views of the grass team are unknown. Likely, they are currently busy installing and preparing the temporary surface….and calling on any divine source (holier than Madonna) to help them through the weeks that are coming.