Artists Who Performed at the FIFA World Cup Final Were Not Paid
International music superstars Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira did not receive payment after performing for fans attending and watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, despite their halftime show becoming one of the most-watched performances in the world.
The artists took part in the inaugural FIFA World Cup Halftime Show, which was held during the halftime break of the World Cup Final. Although many expected them to earn millions because of their global popularity, they chose to perform voluntarily without receiving any performance fees.
The halftime show was organized through a partnership between FIFA and Global Citizen to raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at improving access to education for children around the world. By performing without pay, the artists supported the charitable campaign and encouraged people across the globe to contribute to the cause.
While the performers were not paid for their appearances, FIFA covered all production costs associated with the show, including the stage, lighting, sound systems, technical equipment and other logistics required to deliver the performance.
The news has generated widespread discussion on social media, with many music and football fans expressing surprise that global stars such as Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira agreed to perform for free in support of a worldwide education initiative.
