Justin Bieber to co

Justin Bieber to co-headline FIFA World Cup final halftime show

Bieber joins majorly star-studded lineup of Madonna, Shakira, BTS and more

Any Beliebers in the house? We might not have a SWAG tour just yet, but you may still want to get checked for Bieber fever: Justin Bieber is returning to the stage.

The Canadian superstar has been announced as a co-headliner for the first FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show.

He’ll join a majorly star-studded lineup, headlining alongside Madonna, Shakira and BTS.

Also joining the 11-minute show are Nigerian singer Burna Boy, Los Angeles Philharmonic music director Gustavo Dudamel and PS22 Chorus, a children's choir from an elementary school in Staten Island, featuring Coldplay. The U.K. band's frontman Chris Martin is curating the event.

The show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is working to raise $100 million US to expand access to quality education and sport for kids worldwide.

“This is the single largest gathering of artists united for a cause since Live Aid, and it could well be the most-watched 11 minutes of broadcast music performance in history.” Hugh Evans, co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen, said in a press release.

“These extraordinary artists, representing every corner of the globe, are coming together to help create opportunities for children everywhere.”

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This’ll be Bieber’s first time back on stage since his headlining, stripped-back Coachella set earlier this year. Before that, he had the internet spiralling when he gave a performance of Yukon wearing shorts at the 2026 Grammys, where he was nominated four times including for album of the year for his record Swag.

The 2026 World Cup Final, scheduled for July 19, will be played at New York New Jersey stadium (commonly known as Metlife Stadium) in New Jersey.

Show's concept already garnering mixed reactions

This is the first time the Beautiful Game's ultimate match won't just be headlined by the soccer superstars but also by a musical performance — and it's ruffling some feathers.

"Nobody asked for a halftime show. Nobody wants it," said one Reddit commenter.

In another thread, other fans complained about the perceived "Yankeefication" of the sport, with one commenter jokingly suggesting FIFA add a "WWE mini-royal rumble" to the halftime festivities.

Why the World Cup final halftime show is controversial

FIFA is marketing this show as a "landmark moment" in which "the greatest show on earth reaches its pinnacle."

But some broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV may even skip airing the halftime festivities in favour of more traditional punditry and analysis, according to reporting by the Times.

Griffin Jaeger is a reporter and producer with CBC's entertainment unit. He also formerly hosted and produced content for The National’s digital platforms. You can reach him at griffin.jaeger@cbc.ca

With files from CBC's Mouhamad Rachini