"Incredible spirit of unity": Shakira reveals why 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show with BTS and Madonna feels unlike the Super Bowl

The FIFA World Cup final is preparing for a historic entertainment moment, but this year’s halftime show is aiming for something far bigger than music alone. With Shakira, Madonna, and BTS also known as Bangtan Sonyeondan set to headline the event together, organizers say the performance will carry a deeper message focused on unity and global education.Fans already expected fireworks from a lineup this massive. Yet the artists and organizers behind the show insist the event is being designed to leave an emotional impact that extends far beyond football and entertainment.Speaking about the upcoming performance to Billboard, Shakira explained why this experience feels very different from previous major sporting events she has headlined.Shakira said, "First of all, I'm honoured to be performing alongside Madonna and BTS. I think that this is going to be completely different than the Super Bowl experience, which, by the way, was incredible for me."That difference, according to organizers, comes from the charitable mission attached to the show. Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans revealed the idea was first discussed years ago during the previous World Cup cycle.Hugh Evans said, "The dream of this started four years ago at the last World Cup, when Chris called me and said that it would be incredible if we could work together with FIFA to create the first ever half-time show for the World Cup final."Evans explained that the creative direction centered around one core theme: "unity during divisive times.""And really, the process that went into curating how it could come together was focused on the value of unity. We said at a time when the world can feel so divided, we wanted to have a moment where if you look down on planet Earth and you saw this half-time show, you would feel this incredible spirit of unity."Shakira also stressed that the event’s focus on education gives the performance emotional weight beyond entertainment."This time, we're going to be combining the passion for football and music for a good cause. That is, I think, the main difference, right?"One of the biggest surprises following the announcement came from the rapid reaction of BTS' fans ARMY worldwide.Hugh Evans said, "And I can tell you that last night, BTS' fans, ever since we announced it, they've already, the ARMY, have already raised over $10,000 just like that, just by getting online and fundraising."He added, "We didn't even ask them to do so. The ARMY are so amazing."That response immediately reinforced why BTS remains one of the most powerful fan-driven movements in global entertainment. Combined with Shakira’s longstanding advocacy work and Madonna’s international influence, organizers believe the halftime show could become one of the most meaningful spectacles in FIFA history.For now, anticipation continues building rapidly online as football fans, music lovers, and global audiences prepare for a performance designed to unite far more than just a stadium crowd.