For the first time in FIFA history, the final World Cup match will feature a star-packed halftime show with some of the world's biggest musical acts.
"It's really exciting because, you know, even the fact that you're talking about the last World Cup having 1.5 billion viewers, which is 13 Super Bowls in one night. So, the scale of it is extraordinary. And I think that this is really the world's moment where the whole world is united," said co-founder and CEO of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans.
The sports association has teamed up with the non-profit Global Citizen to produce the 11-minute show that includes Madonna, Shakira with Burna Boy, BTS, Justin Bieber, Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay. The lineup was curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin over the course of 4 years.
"There's always been this intersection between sports and arts and culture. I've always believed that. And so, yes, this is the world's largest sporting event, but it's also an enormous cultural event. And I think that music is that great uniter," said Evans.
While Evans is excited for the show, he is also aware of the criticism that comes with this historic event.
"Some folks say, well, I've heard it said that this is the Americanization of sport. I don't buy that narrative. I'm Australian and a dual citizen with America now. And this is an idea, when you think about it, that you've got incredible artists from Latin America, incredible artists from Africa, incredible artists from Britain. This isn't the Americanization of sport. This is the fact that we are global citizens," he explained.
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Live Nation and Done + Dusted are also participating in the production of the event, which has been dubbed "the world's biggest stage, an even bigger purpose."
The goal is to raise $100 million (USD) to support the charity's Education Fund, which provides educational and soccer opportunities for children around the world.
Large corporate donations combined with one U.S. dollar from each ticket sold from the game and other donations have already netted $50 million. Now Evans said it's time for governments to step up and do their part.
"We need France. We need President Macron to—given that France is performing so well in the World Cup—show leadership both on the pitch and off the pitch. We want Chancellor Mertz of Germany. We want President Sanchez of Spain. These are the world leaders who have enormous foreign aid budgets, and they have an opportunity now to invest in kids' education all over the world," said Evans.
Global Citizen was co-founded in 2008 with the goal to end poverty. Since 2012, the foundation has held an annual music festival with major music acts to celebrate those who take various actions to combat poverty and various illnesses. The event is now global.
Characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets will also take part in the show, which will air live from the New York-New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
(Camera: Hussein Al Waalie, Producer: Alicia Powell)
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