World Cup half-time show acts revealed with Madonna and Shakira set to grace the stage

Shakira and Madonna are set to share the stage at the first-ever halftime show in FIFA World Cup history.

Tournament organisers are planning a Super Bowl-style spectacle for the 2026 World Cup final, which will take place at MetLife Stadium on July 19 as the United States, Mexico and Canada jointly host the competition.

Coldplay were previously confirmed as the headline act, but the performance is expected to feature a host of global stars.

The full line-up emerged in an unusual announcement video posted to the official social media account of Sesame Workshop, featuring Coldplay frontman Chris Martin alongside Elmo.

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Among the biggest names confirmed are Shakira and Madonna, in a pairing that has already generated huge excitement online.

Shakira's inclusion carries special significance given her enduring association with football's biggest tournament.

Her 2010 anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) remains one of the most recognisable World Cup songs ever recorded.

The Colombian star is also set to release a new song for this year's competition titled "Dai Dai."

Madonna will bring decades of pop history to the event.

The 66-year-old remains one of the most influential artists in music, more than four decades after launching her recording career.

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Also joining the show are BTS, whose global popularity is expected to attract enormous attention from fans around the world.

The Korean supergroup appeared via video call in the announcement, confirming their participation in what is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entertainment productions in football history.

The event will also feature appearances from beloved characters including Cookie Monster, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.

Supporters reacted with enthusiasm after the announcement, with social media users expressing delight at the prospect of seeing Madonna and Shakira perform together.

To accommodate the expanded production, organisers are expected to lengthen the traditional 15-minute halftime interval to allow sufficient time for the performers, stage equipment and technical setup.

But who ends up making the final this summer remains to be seen.

England will start their World Cup campaign against Croatia before facing Ghana and Panama.

As for Scotland, the Tartan Army will lock horns with Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in the group stages.

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