Justin Bieber added to FIFA World Cup final half-time lineup

NEW YORK (AP):

Justin Bieber is set to appear in the FIFA World Cup final’s high-profile half-time spectacle, sharing the bill with Madonna, Shakira and BTS, the football governing body said Wednesday.

Afrobeats artist Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus — an elementary-school choir from Staten Island, New York — are also on the programme, with Coldplay joining the young singers. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is curating the 11-minute set, which will run during the final outside New York on July 19.

Proceeds from the performance will go toward the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise US$100 million so more children can get schooling and play football.

“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can,” Bieber said in a statement. “I’m grateful to be part of this halftime show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world.”

Burna Boy’s place on the bill carries extra weight because he co-created this year’s official World Cup track, Dai Dai, with Shakira at the helm. The record blends Afrobeats with Latin grooves into a multilingual pop anthem. One passage lists nations in the tournament: “Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia,” Shakira cheers. “Mexico, Japan, Korea, Netherlands.”

“The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire world together,” Burna Boy said in a statement. “To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly.”

Half-time concerts are a Super Bowl tradition in American football, but they remain rare in the beautiful game; Champions League finals, for instance, usually stage music before kick-off rather than at the break.

Sesame Street’s Muppets will also take part, including Kermit and Miss Piggy.