FIFA's senior pitch manager has expressed concern over World Cup pitch conditions, with Shakira's final half-time show adding further stress on playing surfaces

NEW YORK (AP) — The World Cup final will feature a star-studded halftime show headlined by Madonna, Shakira and boy band BTS. FIFA announced Thursday that, for the first time, the final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 will include a Super Bowl-style concert.

Soccer is following football with a loaded halftime show at this summer's World Cup final, and we take a deep dive into trying to make sense of it all and grading the booked performers

This summer, 48 men's national teams will compete in the World Cup's biggest tournament ever. Here are a few of the basics to get you started.

BTS, Madonna and Shakira will perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final halftime show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, the first ever for the tournament.

In a new interview with TalkSPORT, Noel Gallagher has admitted to having no interest in the upcoming World Cup half-time show, curated by Chris Martin.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is slated to begin on Thursday with a fantastic matchup between Mexico and South Africa at Estadio Azteca. However, the tournament's opening ceremonies are set to be a two-day affair.

The three World Cup opening ceremonies will be held on the first two days of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament. The opening ceremony in Mexico City is scheduled for Thursday, June 11 at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT. That's 90 minutes before the tournament's first game, between Mexico and South Africa, kicks off.

After years of preparation and anticipation, the 2026 World Cup begins this week. Here's what you need to know about the world's biggest sporting event.