fifa club world cup

Madonna, Shakira and K-pop megastars BTS will headline a Super Bowl-style half-time show at the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, organizers said Thursday. There was also a half-time show at last year's fifa club world cup final, also at MetLife Stadium, which stretched the break in excess of the regulation 15 minutes.

BTS ARMY earned global praise after raising over $30,000 in just four days for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Global Citizen thanked the fandom for supporting children’s access to education and sports worldwide. The initiative aims to raise $100 million before the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, with support from stars including Shakira, Serena Williams, Hugh Jackman, and Kaká.

For the first time in World Cup history, the final's half-time show will feature live performances from Madonna, Shakira and BTS at MetLife Stadium on July 19. None of the three acts are being paid, instead donating their time to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, is expected to run 11 minutes, though the full interval will likely exceed FIFA's standard 15-minute limit. With a potential global audience surpassing one billion, the platform alone is the real currency.

FIFA has officially announced that Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show in 2026. The performance will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey during the July 19 final. The reveal, made through a teaser featuring Chris Martin and the Muppets, sparked huge online excitement. FIFA also confirmed proceeds from the event will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aimed at improving children’s access to education and football worldwide.

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially been named in Portugal’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, confirming that the legendary forward will compete in a record sixth World Cup. At 41, Ronaldo remains Portugal’s captain and emotional leader as Roberto Martinez prepares a talented squad featuring Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao and Ruben Dias. Portugal enter the tournament after winning the UEFA Nations League and will begin their Group K campaign against DR Congo before facing Uzbekistan and Colombia.

Chelsea has appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager on a four-year contract, beginning July 1, 2026. Alonso, lauded for his unbeaten Bundesliga and German Cup double with Bayer Leverkusen, faces the challenge of revitalizing the club after a disappointing season and a period of significant spending and recruitment under new ownership.

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has suffered a huge setback ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 23-year-old fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during FC Barcelona’s 3-1 La Liga win over Real Betis on Sunday, May 17. The injury forced him off at half-time at Spotify Camp Nou and it immediately raised fears over his fitness for the tournament.

FIFA will introduce its first-ever World Cup final halftime show during the 2026 tournament finale at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Featuring Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, the performance will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Organizers insist the concert will remain shorter than the traditional 15-minute football halftime break to avoid disrupting the game.

FIFA confirmed ongoing discussions for media rights in India for the 2026 World Cup, with no official broadcaster yet announced. The Delhi High Court has issued notices regarding the broadcast, as talks in other territories like China also remain unsettled. Fans await confirmation on television and digital platform coverage for the expanded tournament.

BLACKPINK’s Lisa sparked mixed reactions after FIFA released a teaser for the 2026 World Cup anthem Goals, featuring Anitta and Rema. While critics called the song “generic” and a “mess,” supporters urged fans not to judge a 10-second clip too quickly. Despite the backlash, Lisa continues making history as the first female K-pop idol set to perform at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony.

Matthijs de Ligt has officially been ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after undergoing surgery for a persistent back injury. The Manchester United defender had not played since November and spent months attempting rehabilitation before opting for surgery. United confirmed the procedure was successful, but his recovery timeline extends into next season, ending any hopes of representing the Netherlands this summer. His absence is another major setback for Ronald Koeman, who is already dealing with injuries to key players ahead of the tournament.

Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei has admitted that his team is not fully prepared for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after many domestic players spent nearly seven weeks without competitive football. The Iranian league season was suspended earlier this year following military tensions in the region, which disrupted the country’s football calendar and affected preparations for the global tournament.

The Islamic Republic of Iran are preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026 amid ongoing concerns over travel and visa arrangements linked to geopolitical tensions. FIFA officials, including secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom, remain confident Iran will participate as scheduled in the United States. Led by captain Mehdi Taremi and coach Amir Ghalenoei, Team Melli are targeting a historic first appearance in the knockout stage. Iran will face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G while finalizing preparations through a training camp and friendly matches in Turkey.

Katy Perry’s announcement as the headline performer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony has sparked major backlash online. Many soccer fans criticized FIFA’s decision and threatened to boycott the event, calling the singer too controversial for such a global stage. Social media quickly filled with angry reactions, with some viewers mocking the choice and demanding a different performer. Despite the outrage, Perry is still scheduled to perform at SoFi Stadium before the United States faces Paraguay.

The Trump administration has suspended its controversial $15,000 visa bond requirement for eligible FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders from select countries, including Algeria, Senegal, and Tunisia. The waiver applies to fans enrolled in the FIFA Pass system for expedited visa processing. The move comes after pressure from FIFA and growing concerns over travel restrictions hurting tourism and international attendance ahead of the tournament hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Fans are criticizing BigHit Music after BTS was reportedly credited on Jungkook’s solo FIFA World Cup song Dreamers. Many argued that Jungkook alone created and performed the track, calling the move unfair to his solo achievements. The backlash grew amid fresh buzz about BTS potentially performing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show, reigniting conversations about solo recognition, group branding, and BigHit’s marketing strategy surrounding Jungkook’s global success.

BTS and BLACKPINK Lisa’s involvement in the 2026 FIFA World Cup sparked a major online fan war after debates over their official titles. Lisa was announced as a performer for the opening ceremony, while BTS will headline the tournament’s first halftime show. Fans began arguing over terms like “headliner” and “co-headliner,” with both fandoms claiming their artists received the more prestigious role. The disagreement quickly spread across social media, turning the FIFA announcement into a heated K-pop rivalry.

BTS will make history as co-headliners of the first-ever halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19 in New York New Jersey Stadium. Sharing the stage with Madonna and Shakira, the group said the performance is a chance to spread “hope and harmony” worldwide. BTS also highlighted their desire to support children’s education through the FIFA Global Citizen campaign.

FIFA’s decision to bring Madonna, Shakira, and BTS to the first-ever World Cup final halftime show has sharply divided soccer fans. Many supporters believe FIFA should have chosen performers from the United States, Mexico, or Canada, while others dislike the idea of a Super Bowl-style show entering soccer. Still, FIFA says the event will promote togetherness and support children’s education worldwide.

Adidas released a new fifa club world cup teaser starring Timothée Chalamet, Bad Bunny and Lionel Messi alongside several top soccer stars. The dramatic commercial also features David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Alessandro Del Piero with AI-powered younger looks ahead of this summer’s tournament beginning on June 11.