The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show has added a powerful new tribute to Venezuela. On Thursday (July 16), organizers announced that Gustavo Dudamel will lead the New York Philharmonic and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela in their first-ever joint performance during Sunday’s World Cup final, where Spain will face Argentina at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium.
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The addition places Venezuela at the emotional center of the show, with both orchestras coming together for the first time in what the press release describes as “a display of global unity” and “a moving tribute to Venezuela” following the country’s recent devastating earthquakes.
The announcement arrives as Venezuela continues to reel from the twin temblors that struck on June 24. The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes destroyed hundreds of schools and have left nearly 5,000 dead, tens of thousands injured and nearly 17,000 people homeless, according to Reuters. The World Cup-linked effort has already drawn support from more than a dozen artists and public figures around the world.
Previously announced performers also include BTS, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and Shakira and Burna Boy, along with the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay, Ghetto Kids, Emmanuel Kelly and the Sesame Street Muppets, including Kermit and Miss Piggy as part of the lineup.
The first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show will air live globally — with U.S. coverage on Fox Sports and Telemundo — during the match on Sunday (July 19). The final between Argentina and Spain kicks off at 3 p.m. ET, with halftime expected around 3:45 p.m. ET.