The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature a half-time show for the first time in the tournament’s history, and bookmakers have already opened markets allowing fans to wager on the performance details. FanDuel Sportsbook released odds on 7 July for the spectacle, which will see pop icons Madonna, Shakira and BTS share the stage. FIFA confirmed the headliners in May, marking a significant departure from tradition as the governing body seeks to emulate the entertainment value of the Super Bowl.
What the Bookmakers Offer
Punters can now place bets on which songs the artists will perform first, potential surprise guests, and the total number of songs played during the interval.
For BTS, Hooligan leads the betting at +170, followed by IDOL at +250. Shakira’s 2010 World Cup anthem Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) sits at +300 to open her set, trailing only Hips Don’t Lie at +340 in the market. Madonna’s new track Bring Your Love is the clear favourite at -125 to begin her portion of the show.
The markets also cover potential special appearances. Nigerian superstar Burna Boy is odds-on favourite at -160 to join the performers on stage, while Coldplay’s Chris Martin follows closely at -125. Other names listed include Justin Bieber (+150), Beyoncé (+340) and The Weeknd (+340).
Additionally, fans can speculate on the show’s length, with the line set at 8.5 songs and both over and under priced at -110.
Significance for African Fans
The betting options hold particular interest for African supporters. Shakira’s Waka Waka, the official song of the 2010 tournament in South Africa, remains a continental favourite. More notably, Burna Boy’s position as the most likely guest performer highlights the growing global influence of African music on football’s biggest stages.
The Grammy-winning Nigerian artist has previously collaborated with international stars and performed at major sporting events, making his potential appearance a significant nod to the continent’s cultural impact.
A New Era for World Cup Entertainment
The introduction of a formal half-time show represents FIFA’s attempt to broaden the final’s appeal beyond hardcore football supporters. By scheduling performances from three of the world’s biggest acts during the interval, organisers hope to capture the casual viewer audience that traditionally tunes into the Super Bowl for its musical interlude.
The 2026 tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. With just under a year until the competition begins, these novelty markets offer supporters an early opportunity to engage with football’s showpiece event, blending sporting prediction with pop culture speculation.