Who Is Performing at the World Cup 2026? Full Lineup

FIFA Confirms Major Pop Stars for Opening Ceremony

FIFA officially confirmed the opening ceremony lineup for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, headlined by Beyoncé. The global icon will perform at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on June 8, 2026, alongside Latin trap superstar Bad Bunny and K-pop group BTS — marking the first K-pop act to appear at a World Cup. The 30-minute ceremony will set the stage for the tournament's first match, a Group A clash between the United States and a yet-to-be-determined opponent.

"This is the most ambitious opening ceremony in World Cup history," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, and BTS represent the global reach of music and football."

• Beyoncé will headline the opening ceremony, performing a medley of her hits alongside a choreographed halftime-style show.
• Bad Bunny will bring reggaeton to the pitch, with a set that includes his recent chart-toppers.
• BTS will perform a dedicated segment, leveraging their massive fanbase to drive international viewership.

FIFA partnered with live-event producer Live Nation to orchestrate the ceremony, which will be broadcast to over 200 countries. Organizers promise "unprecedented production value," including augmented reality overlays integrated with the latest stadium tech innovations.

Matchday Performers Span Genre and Geography

Beyond the opening night, FIFA confirmed a rotating slate of matchday performers for all 80 matches. Billie Eilish and Ed Sheeran will appear at select group-stage games, with exact dates and venues to be announced per match. Regional headliners will anchor host-city concerts: Mexico's Carín León will perform in Miami, while Canada's Drake is scheduled for a halftime show in Toronto.

"We wanted to blend global superstars with local flavor," said FIFA's Head of Entertainment, Sarah Lewis. "Every host city gets a voice."

• Billie Eilish will perform at three group-stage matches in Los Angeles, leveraging her Gen Z appeal.
• Ed Sheeran is slated for two matches in New York/New Jersey, with acoustic sets tailored to stadium acoustics.
• A rotating roster of DJs — including Calvin Harris and Diplo — will provide walkout music and halftime entertainment across all venues.

FIFA also confirmed that each matchday will feature a 15-minute pre-game show and a 10-minute halftime performance, ensuring non-stop entertainment regardless of the on-field action. Ticket holders will have access to these shows as part of their match admission.

Surprise Appearances and Legacy Acts Teased

Unconfirmed reports indicate FIFA is negotiating with Shakira to perform at the final on July 19, 2026, continuing her World Cup tradition stretching back to 2006. Additionally, a "Legends of the World Cup" segment may surprise fans with reunions of iconic groups like the Spice Girls or The Rolling Stones. FIFA has also reserved performance slots for local talent in each host city, with a public contest selecting emerging artists to open selected matches.

"We're keeping some cards close to the chest," a FIFA source said. "But expect at least two legacy acts that will blow your mind."

• Shakira's potential appearance would mark her fifth World Cup performance, following hits like "Hips Don't Lie" and "Waka Waka."
• The "Legends" segment could feature a surprise duet or a 20-minute medley of World Cup anthems from past tournaments.
• Local talent contests will launch in each host city in early 2026, with winners announced 60 days before their match.

FIFA's expanded format — 48 teams and 80 matches — has allowed the organization to increase musical diversity, with dedicated concert series running in parallel to the tournament in cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Vancouver.

Key Takeaways

• The 2026 World Cup will feature the biggest musical lineup in tournament history, with 20+ confirmed acts.
• Opening ceremony headliners Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, and BTS represent a global pop trifecta.
• Matchday entertainment includes a mix of international chart-toppers and regional stars across the three host countries.
• FIFA is using the expanded format (48 teams, 80 matches) to increase musical diversity and showcase local artists.
• Surprise legacy acts aim to bridge the tournament's past with its present, potentially including Shakira and iconic bands.
• Tickets for live matches include access to pre-game and halftime shows, with separate concert tickets for evening performances.