#FIRSTLOOK: MADONNA, SHAKIRA, AND BTS CO-HEADLINERS AT FIFA WORLD CUP FUNDED FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund

As seen on social media (Instagram/YouTube), Madonna, Shakira, and BTS were just announced as the co-headliners of the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ Final Halftime Show, taking place on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at New York New Jersey Stadium. The line-up was curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin.

We wanted to share some additional background on the Halftime Show with you. The Halftime Show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a landmark initiative working to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football for children worldwide. The Education Fund has already raised over $30 million, with momentum continuing to build as $1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches will be donated throughout the tournament.

Earlier this week, FIFA and Global Citizen announced the first group of organizations to receive grants from the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, providing access to education and football for children in underserved communities in 10 countries around the world. By supporting proven models that combine education, sport, and community engagement, the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is helping expand access to learning, improve education outcomes, and create pathways to opportunity for children in some of the world’s most underserved communities. More information on the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and inaugural grantees is available at globalcitizen.org/education-fund-grantees. Applications are now open for the second cycle of grants. Visit globalcitizen.org/education-fund-apply for more details.

Currently, there are approximately 350 million children and adolescents out of school globally. Of these children, approximately 133 million do not meet the minimum proficiency level in reading and math by the end of primary school.

Click here to learn more about the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

Global Citizen, the producers of the Halftime Show, is the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday advocates raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the private sector. Since the movement began, more than $50 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting 1.3 billion lives.

#FIRSTLOOK: CIRQUE DU SOLEIL’S “LUZIA” RETURNS TO TORONTO

Cirque du Soleil is celebrating the global spirit and excitement for FIFA World Cup 26™ with the return of LUZIA to Toronto, 10 years after its debut in 2016. Hailed by critics the world over, LUZIA is a delightful and visually-stunning creation that invites audiences to escape to an imaginary Mexico – a surreal world suspended between dreams and reality. LUZIA, the 38th production of Cirque du Soleil, seamlessly weaves tradition and modernity in a series of grand surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances from mind-bending contortion to gravity-defying vertical pole jumping; and of course, in renowned Cirque du Soleil creativity – turning the beloved sport of football (soccer) into a high-energy act that mixes freestyle street dance with awe-inspiring ball manipulation.

LUZIA will be presented in Toronto, ON, from June 18 – August 3, 2026, bringing the iconic Big Top back to Lake Shore Blvd. W. Advance tickets are available now to Club Cirque members; membership is free to join via www.clubcirque.com, to receive exclusive benefits. Tickets go on sale for the general public beginning Tuesday, October 14, 10am ET, including a NEW – $15 Kids Days Ticket for children ages 2-16, on select shows (conditions apply). For details and additional offers, go to www.cirquedusoleil.com/luzia.

Water as a Source of Inspiration
Integrating the element of water inside the Big Top in LUZIA is a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production. The stage floor has 94,657 hidden holes that allow water to drain into a 5,000-litre basin underneath the stage. The water reserve is constantly recycled and filtered during the entire run of show in each city; and maintained at a comfortable 39°C for the well-being of artists. LUZIA uses approximately 10,000 litres of water in total for its artistic and acrobatic scenes such as Cyr Wheel artists rolling and spinning under pouring rain, and a mesmerizing Aerial Straps act that sees an artist diving in and out of an ancient cenote (natural sinkhole) while a life-sized puppet jaguar curiously looks on.

Written and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, in association with Brigitte Poupart, LUZIA is a waking dream where light (“luz” in Spanish) quenches the spirit, and rain (“lluvia”) soothes the soul.

Following the Toronto run, LUZIA will continue its Canadian tour and head west to Vancouver, BC, from November 4 to December 15, 2026.

Follow #LUZIA and #cirquedusoleil on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

#FIRSTLOOK: WILL ARNETT NAMED TORONTO’S FIFA AMBASSADOR

Will Arnett is Toronto’s FIFA Ambassador and Destination Toronto have shared a video making the announcement!

The FIFA World Cup 26 site is now live —as is an ambassador video featuring Will Arnett, hyping the city with a sense of humour that can only be Toronto-born. The video will be played alongside Toronto b-roll footage and a city sizzle reel through rights-holding broadcasters to the billions of fans who tune in to catch the games.

See the hilarious and heartfelt video here, with Arnett reflecting on growing-up in Toronto and all its charms and nuances, plus all the anticipating to come with the World Cup taking place right here next year!

The FIFA WORLD CUP 26 takes place Thu, Jun 11, 2026 – Sun, Jul 19, 2026.