Justin Bieber has been added to the lineup for the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show, joining some of the world's biggest music stars in a landmark performance that will accompany football's biggest match while helping raise funds to expand education opportunities for children around the world.
FIFA announced that the Canadian pop star will share the stage with Madonna, Shakira and South Korean group BTS during the 11-minute halftime show at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
The performance has been organised in partnership with Global Citizen and will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
Also set to perform are Nigerian star Burna Boy, acclaimed conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay, as well as characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets. The show has been curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and is expected to blend music, football and philanthropy before a global audience.
Reacting to the announcement, Bieber said the World Cup remains one of the few events capable of bringing people together across borders.
"The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can. I’m grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the event is designed to create a lasting impact beyond the final whistle by supporting education initiatives for children.
"When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education. We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the show in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world."
Burna Boy, who will also perform during the final, described his participation as both an honour and a responsibility.
"The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire world together. To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final halftime show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I’m honored to be part of a performance that not only celebrates football and culture but also helps create greater opportunities for children through education around the world."
According to FIFA, the Global Citizen Education Fund has already raised more than USD 50 million, with USD 1 from every World Cup ticket sold supporting projects that improve access to education and football for children in underserved communities. The first beneficiaries of the fund were announced earlier this year and include programmes operating in 10 countries.
The announcement comes as the World Cup enters its final stages with eight teams still battling for the title. While anticipation continues to build ahead of the final, the tournament has also attracted criticism over refereeing decisions, VAR rulings and disciplinary processes. Some teams, including Croatia, Egypt and Belgium, have questioned decisions made during the competition, arguing that consistency and transparency remain essential to protecting the integrity of the tournament.
Despite the debate, FIFA says the historic halftime show will celebrate football, music and unity while using the World Cup's global platform to create more educational opportunities for children worldwide.