Overview
- Entertainment outlets report that TMZ says Justin Bieber is negotiating to perform in the halftime show for the World Cup final, but organizers and the artist have not confirmed his participation.
- Chris Martin is the confirmed curator of the halftime program and Madonna, Shakira and BTS are already announced as co-headliners for the performance at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
- Global Citizen is producing the show and has publicly tied it to a fundraising effort that includes a reported $1 donation from each World Cup ticket and a $100 million fundraising target.
- Bieber’s recent high-profile appearance at the NHL Draft in Buffalo is cited by coverage as part of his current visibility in sports events and may help explain interest in a World Cup slot.
- Next steps to watch are official statements from FIFA, Global Citizen or Bieber’s team to confirm negotiations and a finalized lineup and to clarify how additional performers would fit into the planned ensemble format.