The real question is not who will perform, but whether there will be enough time for everyone to take the stage.
If you thought the FIFA World Cup final halftime show could not possibly fit in another superstar, think again.
Justin Bieber has officially joined BTS, Madonna and Shakira as a co-headliner for the 11-minute halftime spectacle scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. With such a star-studded lineup, the bigger question is no longer who will perform — but whether everyone will have enough time to sing.
One fan summed up the dilemma perfectly: “So will the break be longer than the match?”
Curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, the star-studded production is set to become one of the most ambitious halftime shows ever staged. Alongside the four headline acts, the spectacle will also feature performances from Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy, renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel, Staten Island’s celebrated PS22 Chorus alongside Coldplay, and, adding an unexpected twist, the Muppets.
That is an extraordinary amount of star power to fit into just 11 minutes.
Even before Bieber joined the lineup, the halftime show was already packed with record-breaking talent. BTS, Madonna and Shakira together have amassed more than 120 Billboard Hot 100 entries, 20 No. 1 singles and a dozen Grammy Awards. Bieber’s addition only amplifies the musical impact, with the pop star bringing a catalogue of global hits including “Sorry,” “Love Yourself,” “Peaches” and “Daisies.”
Whether Bieber will have enough stage time to perform more than a chorus remains to be seen.
The show is also expected to feature “Dai Dai,” the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, performed by Shakira and Burna Boy. The duo premiered the song during the tournament’s opening ceremony in Mexico City, making it a likely addition to the halftime setlist.
Beyond the entertainment spectacle, the performance will also serve a charitable purpose. The halftime show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative focused on expanding access to education for children around the world.
“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can,” Bieber said in a statement. “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.”
Bieber’s appearance comes after his recent visit to the USA-Paraguay World Cup match at SoFi Stadium, where he surprised fans with an impromptu backstage performance of his song “Yukon.”
And with the lineup already overflowing with global superstars, the possibility of more surprises cannot be ruled out. Madonna recently joined forces with Sabrina Carpenter for the hit collaboration “Bring Your Love”, adding even more excitement around the event. At this pace, fans would not be surprised if another major name appears on stage before kickoff.
