The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It will feature the tournament’s first-ever halftime show, with confirmed stars like Madonna, Shakira, and BTS billed to perform.
As the final draws closer, attention has shifted from just who will perform to the song audiences will hear first. Given the intense fan speculation, and with prediction markets offering contracts on the opening song, several have emerged as leading contenders. While nothing has been officially confirmed, here’s what we think based on current reports, artist history, and market sentiment.
Recent Trends Surrounding the First World Cup Halftime Show Song
Although the concept was first introduced in 2025 at the Club World Cup, this one’s expected to rival other major global sporting events. Current discussions largely center around three notable artists and tracks. These are Dai Dai by Shakira, Dynamite by BTS, and Madonna’s 1990 classic, Vogue. Each song has a distinct style and massive global appeal that makes them favorites at prediction market sites.
Key Factors That Could Drive a Song Toward the Opening Spot
Like sports predictions, the song that will be used to usher in the landmark performance will depend on certain factors. They include:
Global Recognition
The first song of the halftime show must resonate with audiences of various cultures across continents. FIFA will likely prioritize tracks that are familiar to casual viewers as well as longtime soccer fans.
Artist Order
Under the creative direction of Chris Martin, the FIFA final halftime show will be headlined by Madonna, Shakira, and BTS. The opening song will ultimately be influenced by which artist begins the performance.
Nostalgia and Overall Appeal
Established hits with recognizable intros that ignite emotional responses in listeners often create the most memorable moments. FIFA may just favor songs that will instantly have audiences singing or chanting along.
Factors That Could Prevent a Song Choice
Although several songs are well positioned to be picked as the first rendition, some of these factors could change the outcome:
Last-Minute Creative Changes
Show curator Chris Martin may adjust the set list during rehearsals. This could see an early favorite being replaced before the performance.
Possible Artist Collaboration
The halftime show may begin with a collaborative performance instead of a solid act. If this happens, then the likelihood of a song by an individual artist opening the event reduces.
Broadcast Considerations
Factors like television timing, staging logistics, and production requirements may influence which song is more ideal for the opening sequence.
What Analysts Are Saying
Shakira’s longstanding association with the World Cup puts Dai Dai in a very unique position. Thanks to BTS’s global popularity, the English-recorded Dynamite remains a strong candidate. Meanwhile, Madonna’s Vogue has been tested, having successfully been used in her iconic 2012 halftime performance.
How to Trade This Market on Kalshi
The first thing you want to do before trading is create an account on Kalshi. It’s important to remember that prices can change as new announcements or reports come in. For now, here’s what the markets are saying on Kalshi; you should tap on any of the banners to sign up and trade them:
| Song choice | Chance | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dai Dai | 43% | 44¢ | 57¢ |
| Dynamite | 12% | 12¢ | 89¢ |
| Vogue | 6% | 6¢ | 95¢ |
Remember that you can use the banners here to go straight to Kalshi, sign up, and claim a welcome bonus.
Conclusion – What Song Will Play at the Final Halftime Show?
The first-ever FIFA World Cup final show is a significant milestone, so its opening song is one of the most anticipated moments of the tournament. While Dai Dai, Dynamite, and Vogue appear the strongest contenders, prediction markets like Kalshi will continue to adjust forecasts as more details emerge.
