BBC Refusing To Air First-Ever World Cup Halftime Show
Some viewers may not get to watch a jam-packed World Cup halftime show.
FIFA announced earlier this month that Shakira, Maddona, and BTS will perform at halftime of the men's World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium. Some British fans may need to find another way to watch the intermission concert.
According to Lewis Henderson of GB News, the BBC doesn't plan to broadcast the halftime show.
Instead, BBC intends to air traditional studio analysis of the World Cup match, featuring Alan Shearer, Cesar Azpilicueta, Olivier Giroud, and Wayne Rooney. Nobody at the BBC has confirmed the reported decision, but Henderson speculated that the network will only show the performance on digital platforms.
More on World Cup halftime show
FIFA revealed the star-studded halftime show on May 14. The World Cup could hope to emulate the vast popularity of the annual Super Bowl halftime performance, which Maddona and Shakira have previously headlined.
"Madonna, Shakira and BTS are global icons whose music transcends borders and generations, and we are proud to welcome them to the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a press release. "As the world comes together for the biggest match in football on 19 July 2026 in New York New Jersey, this historic show will also shine a light on a greater purpose by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our shared mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. It will be a celebration of football, unity and shared humanity that will resonate far beyond the final whistle."
Shakira plans to perform a "Dai Dai," a song she created in anticipation of the World Cup. The production will also feature members of The Muppets and Sesame Street to promote learning for young children.
"My hope is that on the world's biggest stage, the importance of investing in children's education steals the show," Shakira said.
It's certainly hard to imagine American viewers accepting a TV network prioritizing halftime coverage over a Super Bowl halftime performance. Perhaps British viewers will be too invested in the World Cup final, but a concert with multiple global stars could also draw plenty of attention this summer.
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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 1:15 PM.