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FIFA final halftime show taps Shakira, Madonna and BTS
FIFA and Global Citizen announced that Shakira, Madonna and BTS are expected to headline the first-ever World Cup final halftime show, adding major entertainment firepower to the tournament’s climax. The announcement marks a new step in FIFA’s efforts to turn the World Cup final into a global spectacle beyond football .
U.S. eases visa barriers for World Cup ticket holders
The Trump administration has suspended a controversial $15,000 visa bond requirement for eligible World Cup ticket holders from select countries, reducing one of the biggest travel hurdles ahead of the 2026 tournament. The change is aimed at easing entry for qualified fans through FIFA Pass, though broader travel concerns remain for supporters and tourism stakeholders .
Brighton’s Mitoma could be a doubt for Japan at the World Cup
Japan winger Kaoru Mitoma is expected to miss Brighton’s final two Premier League matches after suffering a hamstring injury, and his availability for the World Cup is uncertain. Brighton said it is still too early to set a recovery timeline, while Japan is monitoring the situation closely .
Japan faces possible World Cup headache over Mitoma injury
Mitoma’s injury is particularly concerning because he has been one of Japan’s key attackers, with nine goals in 31 appearances for his country. Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu said staff were worried the injury may not be minor, increasing uncertainty for Japan’s June opener against the Netherlands .
World Cup travel concerns remain despite visa waiver
Even after the U.S. eased the visa bond rule, the broader travel picture for the 2026 World Cup remains complicated by border checks, visa restrictions and immigration policy uncertainty. Fans from several qualified nations still face logistical challenges as the tournament approaches .
Global Citizen and FIFA tie entertainment push to World Cup final
The halftime-show announcement reflects a larger partnership between FIFA and Global Citizen to elevate the final into a cultural event with worldwide reach. The move could set a precedent for future World Cup finals by blending live music and football on an unprecedented stage .
World Cup host-nation logistics remain under scrutiny
The United States, Canada and Mexico are preparing to co-host the 2026 World Cup, but entry rules and travel processing continue to be major talking points. The U.S. policy shift is being viewed as an effort to balance security with the influx of international fans .
Japan’s World Cup preparations hit by injury uncertainty
Mitoma’s status adds to the challenge for Japan as it prepares for a demanding group-stage schedule. Losing a winger of his pace and creativity would be a significant setback for a team hoping to make a deep run in North America .
World Cup final becomes a major entertainment platform
With Shakira, Madonna and BTS linked to the halftime show, FIFA is signaling that the final may evolve into a broader global entertainment event. The announcement will likely draw attention well beyond sports audiences and could boost worldwide viewership .
Sports headlines elsewhere: New Zealand and rugby-league developments
Regional sports coverage also featured major updates outside football, including record-breaking swimming and a new rugby-league contract in New Zealand. While not globally dominant, these stories reflect a busy international sports news cycle on the same day .