The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off in North America on June 11, marking the tournament’s return to the United States since 1994. FIFA announced that the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will feature its first-ever halftime show.
FIFA revealed the lineup via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, which included Coldplay, BTS, Madonna, and Shakira. The show will be curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Shakira is also set to release the official World Cup song, “Dai Dai,” later Thursday. The event aims to raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, supporting access to education and football for children worldwide.
Broadcast rights for the tournament are held by FOX, with matches beginning June 11 in Mexico. The opening games include Mexico versus South Africa in Mexico City and South Korea against Croatia in Guadalajara. The United States will play its first match against Paraguay in Los Angeles, followed by games in Seattle and Los Angeles against Australia and Turkey, respectively. The tournament features 16 host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with over 100 matches scheduled across more than a month.
FIFA is also organizing a series of entertainment events. The opening ceremony in Los Angeles on June 12 will feature performances by Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla. FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the event’s cultural diversity, emphasizing its reflection of the United States’ rich musical and entertainment landscape. Similar ceremonies will take place in Toronto and Mexico City, featuring artists like Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, Alejandro Fernández, and J Balvin.
This year’s World Cup continues a tradition of high-profile entertainment, with past finals featuring artists such as Carlos Santana, Wyclef Jean, Will Smith, and Ozuna. The tournament promises a month of soccer excitement with a global audience watching as teams compete for the championship in a historic event.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
