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The FIFA World Cup final is fast approaching, with Spain waiting to find out who their final opponents will be after dismantling France in their semi-final.
Mbappe and co were outplayed by a disciplined Spanish side on Tuesday night (July 14), falling 2-0 to the European champions in Dallas.
England will face off against Argentina in the other semi-final this evening, to determine who will have a shot at soccer's biggest prize.
But while fans of the beautiful game will be looking forward to the pinnacle of the sport on Sunday, FIFA has announced that the viewing experience will last longer than usual.
For the first time in World Cup history, there will be a half-time show during the final, which will also mean that the second-half restart will be delayed.
It has been suggested that the World Cup final half-time show could last anywhere up to 30 minutes, breaking the International Football Association Board's (IFAB) rules.
They state that half-time must "not exceed 15 minutes," and while World Cup officials believe the break will only last 20 minutes, British broadcasters BBC and ITV are expecting a half-hour stoppage.
Last year's FIFA Club World Cup final, which also took place in the US, also featured a half-time show headlined by Coldplay, J Balvin and Doja Cat, and that lasted 24 minutes.
But for soccer's biggest game, the production is meant to last just 11 minutes in a Super-Bowl type performance, to be headlined by the likes of Madonna, Shakira and BTS.
Justin Bieber was also announced as a co-headliner of the show, while Burna Boy is also set to perform alongside Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS 22 Chorus, and Coldplay.
In a statement from FIFA, they claimed that "football, music and social impact" will be coming together in a celebration at MetLife Stadium.
The governing body said that this performance will help support its Global Citizen Education Fund, with the aim of raising $100 million.
They also aim to "expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide."
FIFA even claimed that $1 from every World Cup match ticket sold is going towards "social projects around the world."
This isn't the first time that FIFA has set a precedent at this tournament, having overturned Team USA striker Florin Balogun's red card suspension, allowing him to play against Belgium in the round-of-16.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke about the half-time show, saying: "When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education.
"We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the Fifa World Cup 2026 final half-time show in support of the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.
"As the world unites for the most significant football match in history on Sunday, July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, this groundbreaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle."
It's fair to say that soccer fans are not the biggest fans of the decision, with many taking to social media to air out their grievances.
One said on X: "They should never get the World Cup again," as another asked: "Pre-match show, first half hydration break, half-time show, second half hydration break and closing show. Any football going to be played?"
A third wrote: "Half time is 15 minutes. Any longer should be booed for every second."
"FIFA ruining the great game once again. Gianni Infantino needs to be fired asap," a different user claimed.
Many also worried that the extended break could negatively affect the players' rest and recovery, but time will tell if this will be the case.
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FIFA has unveiled a star-studded lineup for the first-ever World Cup final halftime show.
Justin Bieber has been confirmed as a co-headliner for the musical performance, which will take place during the final on July 19 at New York-New Jersey Stadium.
"The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can. I'm grateful to be part of this Half-time Show, and even more grateful knowing it's already helping expand access to education for children around the world," the 32-year-old said.
The 'Baby' singer will share the stage with Madonna, K-pop superstars BTS, and Colombian icon Shakira, whose song 'Dai Dai' serves as the tournament's official anthem and has been played before every match.
Also set to appear are Burna Boy, acclaimed Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, PS 22 Chorus featuring Coldplay, The Muppets, and characters from Sesame Street.
The 11-minute performance has been curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the performance will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund while showcasing football's ability to bring people together.
"When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education," he said.
"We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira, and BTS to co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world," he added.
"Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and PS 22 Chorus ft. Coldplay will also join and play a key role in conveying a powerful message of unity and hope to billions of people worldwide."
"As the world unites for the most significant football match in history on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, this groundbreaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music, and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle," he added.
The announcement comes as the expanded 2026 World Cup enters its decisive stages.
The tournament began with 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, although all three host nations have since been eliminated.
Just eight teams remain, with the quarterfinals continuing this week.
France will face Morocco in Boston on Thursday, while Spain takes on Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday.
Norway will meet England in Miami on Saturday, before defending champions Argentina face Switzerland in Kansas City later the same day.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi currently leads the race for the Golden Boot with eight goals after breaking several tournament records during the competition.
France's Kylian Mbappé and Norway's Erling Haaland are close behind on seven goals each, while England striker Harry Kane has scored six.
Fox’s World Cup coverage in the United States has faced backlash, with viewers branding it “embarrassing” after missing parts of Mexico’s dramatic match against South Africa.
The opening game of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City drew global attention and was quite the enthralling affair, including two goals, three red cards, and a high-profile opening ceremony performance by Shakira.
However, some fans watching in the US did not see all of the action due to broadcast interruptions.
As part of the flagship tournament, FIFA introduced three-minute hydration breaks during each half because of the intense heat across host countries, particularly in the US and Mexico.
Back in December, FIFA confirmed there would be “no weather or temperature condition in place, with the breaks being called by the referee in all games”.
While broadcasters are permitted to air adverts during these pauses, Fox has been accused of not following FIFA’s guidance.
According to The Athletic, sources close to the governing body said networks should avoid starting commercials within 20 seconds of the referee signaling a break. They also advised that coverage should return at least 30 seconds before play resumes, a rule Fox is believed to have failed to comply with.
The issue became clear shortly after Raul Jimenez scored in the 67th minute. Commentator Ian Darke told viewers: “And that leads to the hydration break, powered to you by Powerade.” What followed was around two minutes of adverts, and when the game resumed, an Adidas commercial was still airing.
The broadcast only returned to the match several seconds after play had already restarted.
Viewers quickly voiced their frustration online. One person wrote: “Fox Sports was playing so many commercials during the hydration break that the game restarted before they were done.”
Another said: “Commercial breaks mid-match during the hydration breaks are going to ruin this World Cup for Americans. Disgusting practice from Fox,” while a third simply called the coverage “embarrassing”.
Shakira helped launch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City on Thursday, but instead of focusing on her performance, some viewers became convinced they were watching someone else entirely.
The Colombian superstar took to the stage during the opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca alongside Burna Boy to debut 'Dai Dai', the official song of the 2026 tournament. The performance came before host nation Mexico faced South Africa in the competition's opening match. However, social media quickly filled with speculation from fans who claimed the singer looked noticeably different, sparking a wave of "body double" theories online.
Shakira appeared in a yellow top, white shorts and platform sneakers, completing the look with oversized dark sunglasses. Her trademark blonde hair also appeared to have been dyed a light strawberry-red shade.
The combination left some viewers questioning whether the performer on the field was actually the global music star.
One user wrote: "Is that Shakira? She doesn’t look like Shakira? Am I tripping ?"
Several others referred to the singer as a "doble," the Spanish word for "double."
Another fan posted: "Esa no es Shakira … who dat?!?!"
A third added: "Don't tell me I'm the only one who thought that was Shakira's body double."
The theories continued to spread as more viewers weighed in online. One person wrote: "HAHA why at the World Cup opening did they bring in a Shakira lookalike?"
Another commented: "Am I the only one who thinks that's not @shakira?? They got a double in thereee."
One skeptical viewer even asked: "Real doubt. What if it's Shakira? Something tells me it's an impersonator."
The reaction came shortly after Shakira spoke candidly about her past relationship with former soccer star Gerard Piqué.
The singer said she felt a strong connection to the lyrics of 'Dai Dai', particularly the message of overcoming difficult experiences.
Speaking about the song, she told PEOPLE: "I always thought that I was more fragile or weaker than what life proved me to be."
She added: "Behind every experience in life, there’s always a lesson, and we have to be grateful for all those lessons, even for the people that leave you with scars, because they just make us better."
While some fans questioned her appearance, Shakira is no stranger to the FIFA World Cup stage.
The singer previously performed at the tournament in 2006, 2010 and 2014. She is perhaps best known for debuting 'Waka Waka' (This Time for Africa), the official anthem of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
This year's official song, 'Dai Dai', takes its name from an Italian slang phrase meaning "come on, come on," and marked Shakira's latest appearance at one of football's biggest events.
The debate surrounding Shakira's alleged "body double" has been settled after fans noticed one detail during the 2026 World Cup.
The highly anticipated soccer tournament got underway on Thursday (June 11), with host nation Mexico kicking off the tournament in style with a 2-0 victory over South Africa.
However, one of the biggest talking points from yesterday had nothing to do with football. Instead, social media has been flooded with claims that Shakira was replaced by a body double during the opening ceremony in Mexico.
The 49-year-old hitmaker took to the stage at Estadio Azteca alongside Burna Boy to debut 'Dai Dai', the official song of the 2026 tournament.
She appeared in a yellow top, white shorts, and platform sneakers, completing the look with oversized dark sunglasses. Her trademark blonde hair also appeared to have been dyed a light strawberry-red shade.
Hours after the ceremony, viewers began claiming the woman performing the anthem wasn't actually the singer herself.
One user wrote: "Is that Shakira? She doesn’t look like Shakira? Am I tripping ?" Several others referred to the singer as a "doble," the Spanish word for "double."
Another fan posted: "Esa no es Shakira … who dat?!?!" A third added: "That's not Shakira, the face isn't hers, and she doesn't even have half of Shakira's leg. That's why the glasses to disguise it."
While Shakira's team has yet to comment on the rumors, there is one detail that strongly suggests she really was on the pitch.
The mom-of-two has a small scar on her forehead that has been visible in photographs for years.
The mark can be seen in older images of the 'Hips Don't Lie' singer and, according to photos from the opening ceremony, it was visible there too.
Fans were quick to point it out as the rumors gained traction online.
"Shakira has a small round scar above her brow, and the one who today is doubted to be Shakira, of course, has it too. Look at photos from other times and she has always had that scar," one fan said.
"Shakira has a small vertical cleft between her eyebrows that can be seen in some photos, yes, it's something that many fans have known about for years. Depending on the lighting, the makeup, and the facial expressions, it can appear more or less pronounced," a second added.
A third chimed in: "Whoever saying it wasn’t Shakira, i get it we’re so used to the current AI world but it was her. I mean, the scar was on her forehead duh."
For many fans, that distinctive mark was all the proof they needed that the woman on the pitch was indeed Shakira.
Mexico is co-hosting alongside the United States and Canada, with all three nations staging their own opening ceremonies.
Fans inside the stadium were also treated to performances from Danny Ocean, Colombia's J Balvin, and Mexican singer-songwriter Fher Olvera of Maná, who sang the classic 'Oye Mi Amor'.
"Bienvenida a México. Welcome to Mexico," a performer announced to begin the celebrations. "We are a nation of diversity, heritage, and pride. Football carries the same heartbeat, uniting generations," per BBC News.
Opera icon Andrea Bocelli and K-Pop Demon Hunters singer Ejae also performed the tournament's official anthem 'DNA', which was released earlier this week.
Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández led the crowd in singing the national anthem, while Grammy-winning South African star Tyla performed her country's anthem.
Shakira and Burna Boy are set to perform the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 song, ‘Dai Dai,’ live for the first time tonight (June 11) at the World Cup Opening Ceremony in Mexico City.
The pair will headline the event just before the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa, bringing the competition’s official anthem to a global audience.
‘Dai Dai’ was created to celebrate resilience, hard work and global unity, blending different cultures through an upbeat sound and distinctive lyrics.
But ahead of the performance, many fans have been making the same comparison online, with several arguing that Shakira’s 2010 World Cup anthem ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ remains the benchmark for football songs and is far superior to her latest release.
Reaction on social media has been mixed, with some listeners praising the new track while others complained that it cannot compete with the legacy of ‘Waka Waka.’
One person took to X and wrote: “Shakira and Burna Boy’s ‘Dai Dai’ proves that modern World Cup anthems are overproduced, soulless cash grabs not cultural moments. ‘Waka Waka’ worked because it felt organic. ‘Dai Dai’ feels like an algorithm made it. We need to stop pretending bigger names = better songs.”
Another person wrote: “Shakira done it again after Waka Waka!! But... nothing can beat Shakira’s Waka Wala - All time favrt!”
A third person penned: “The newest Shakira song for the World Cup is just about ok. It is no Waka Waka for sure."
A fourth said: “From 2010 to 2026, we’ve had some incredible World Cup anthems… but let’s be honest: Waka Waka remains untouchable.”
"Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" was the official anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was performed by Shakira alongside South African band Freshlyground.
The song became one of the most successful World Cup tracks ever released after bringing African musical culture to a worldwide audience through its adaptation of the traditional 1986 Cameroonian soldier chant "Zangaléwa."
Its mix of Afro-Colombian rhythms, themes of resilience and an instantly recognizable chorus helped it connect with people across different countries and languages. The song sold more than 15 million copies, attracted billions of views on YouTube and is still widely regarded as one of the defining sports anthems of the modern era.
The build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has also been overshadowed by criticism surrounding the tournament.
Critics have accused the competition of being a target for "sportswashing," while concerns have been raised about immigration restrictions and travel bans in the United States.
Several international team personnel and match officials, including Somali referee Omar Artan, have reportedly been prevented from entering the country.
Civil rights group Amnesty International has also warned of a "human rights emergency" linked to border enforcement policies. Fans have additionally voiced frustration over rising travel expenses and FIFA's use of dynamic pricing, which has pushed ticket costs significantly higher.
There have also been safety concerns connected to cartel violence in co-host nation Mexico, along with fears about extreme summer heat conditions during the tournament.
For now, though, attention will be on Shakira and Burna Boy as they take to the stage in Mexico City, where fans will finally get to hear ‘Dai Dai’ performed live for the first time.
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