World cup halftime show: artists earn zero, millions raised for children’s education

The spectacle at the FIFA World Cup final halftime – a dazzling array of global stars – delivered a stunningly ironic result: not a single artist pocketed a single dollar. Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, and a host of others graced the stage for a historic, charitable performance, yet were compensated with a resounding $0.

A generous gesture, a stark reality

Global Citizen x FIFA confirmed that the performance, aimed at unlocking sports and education opportunities for children worldwide, represented a selfless commitment. Instead of financial rewards, the artists embraced the opportunity to introduce this American tradition to a global audience, culminating in Spain’s victory over Argentina.

The show itself was a carefully curated tapestry of musical moments: Madonna kicked things off with “Music,” backed by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho; BTS unleashed “Dynamite”; Justin Bieber slowed the pace with “Everything Hallelujah”; Shakira and Burna Boy captivated with “Dai Dai,” supported by Ghetto Kids; and the PS22 Chorus, accompanied by Chris Martin, brought a youthful energy to the stage. The sheer scale of the philanthropic effort – a dollar from every ticket sold benefiting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund – underscored the event’s dual purpose: entertainment and impactful giving.

Beyond the performances, the initiative aims to raise a staggering $100 million to expand access to quality education and football for children across the globe, a testament to the power of sport as a vehicle for social change. The halftime show wasn’t just a concert; it was a calculated investment in a brighter future, and a surprising one at that.