FIFA has announced a major event for the halftime interval of this World Cup final. For the first time in the history of the football World Cup, a star-studded lineup will grace the stage during the final match’s halftime show. Canadian pop star Justin Bieber is the latest addition to this 11-minute event. Organizers have confirmed that the entire star-studded musical performance will last exactly 11 minutes. Al Jazeera Online reported this news. In addition to Bieber, the spectacular event—scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey—will feature performances by the Queen of Pop Madonna, Shakira, and the popular South Korean band BTS. Chris Martin of the band Coldplay is overseeing the entire program.
There had been some concern regarding the event, as football regulations limit the halftime break to a maximum of 15 minutes. However, this announcement dispelled rumors that the break might be extended to 25 minutes. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described it as the biggest stage in history, and an estimated two billion people worldwide are expected to watch it. The concert will support FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million globally for the welfare of children.
Characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets, as well as Nigerian singer Burna Boy and Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, will also perform at the event. In a statement, pop star Justin Bieber expressed his gratitude for being part of this noble initiative. Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Citizen, stated that this is the largest gathering of artists for a cause since Live Aid and could become the most-watched 11-minute live broadcast in history.
