Star-Studded Lineup for World Cup's First Halftime Extravaganza

Music icons Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop sensation BTS will headline the first-ever World Cup final halftime show at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, FIFA officially announced on Thursday. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has been appointed to curate the much-anticipated event scheduled for July 19.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino took to social media to emphasize the significance of this halftime show, stating it will merge music, football, and a shared dedication to improving children's lives globally. The event will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to enhance access to quality education and football worldwide.

The expanded 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will unfold from June 11 to July 19, featuring a total of 104 matches. This includes the addition of a new knockout round, marking a significant increase from previous tournaments' 64 matches. The last Club World Cup hosted in North America also featured a halftime show with performances by Doja Cat, J Balvin, and Tems, setting high expectations for this year's World Cup event.

(With inputs from agencies.)