The 2026 World Cup has entered July and is currently in the “Round of 32” phase. In less than three weeks, we will know exactly which team has become the next World Cup champion.
The actual match play is just one facet that prediction market forecasters are interested in. Right now, there is over $300,000 in trading volume associated with who will join Shakira, BTS, and Madonna as performers during the World Cup Final Halftime Show. The show itself will take place on July 19th, so let’s get into the clear favorites.
It’s important for traders to keep in mind that this isn’t a traditional “either/or” prediction market. The top two selections can settle at “yes” or “no” independently because there is theoretically no limit on the number of performers who will be on stage during the July 19th World Cup Final Halftime Show.
With that in mind, we’re just as confident as Kalshi forecasters that Coldplay and Justin Bieber will play an official role at some point during the extravaganza. For the market to be resolved as “yes,” the performers only need to appear and contribute to the overall performance in some way.
They don’t necessarily have to perform one of their hit songs. They can rap, play an instrument, conduct a live band, dance, or be a DJ. Due to these Kalshi market clarifications, we’re opting to purchase the “yes” contracts on both Justin Bieber and Coldplay, which you can pick up for 65¢ and 63¢, respectively.
Of course, if you’re interested in and watching the 2026 World Cup, you’re already aware that the vast majority of “latest news” coverage is based on the actual soccer matchups. Still, there are a few tidbits for traders to consider when making their predictions for who will perform during halftime on July 19th.
For one, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS are already locked in. There’s no market for these performers to appear because they’re confirmed. Those who are banking on Justin Bieber appearing are doing so because he’s had sell-out performances in the past at MetLife Stadium (which is actually the same stadium as the World Cup Final venue). Bieber also represents Canada, which is a co-host country for the 2026 World Cup.
The Coldplay “yes” contract has undeniable traction due to the band’s frontman, Chris Martin, being one of the curators for the official WC Final Halftime Show. Coldplay has performed in the past for Global Citizen, which hosts an education fund that will receive proceeds from the World Cup.
The recent contract price dips for Coldplay and Justin Bieber to appear during the official halftime show are unsubstantiated, in our view. Traders may be lowering the price due to the confirmations of Madonna, BTS, and Shakira, but again, this isn’t a traditional Kalshi market in which one individual automatically resolves as a “no” once another contender is confirmed as a “yes.”
Both Coldplay and Justin Bieber can resolve as “yes” or “no.” This means they can both be selected, which is what we’re counting on by opting to pick up the “yes” contracts on both performers.
The 2026 World Cup Halftime Show is set for July 19th at New York New Jersey Stadium.
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