Emmanuel Kelly is confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the scoop.
Emmanuel Kelly, the Australian singer-songwriter, has been confirmed to perform at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Halftime Show.
Kelly, who made history as the first differently abled artist to headline a FIFA halftime show, will join stars including Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS, for a show which is set to be the most spectacular half-time sporting show in history.
Confirming his appearance via a statement shared on Instagram, Kelly said: “I am so excited and can’t wait to perform and be a part of this special show.
“What’s even more amazing about this opportunity is that the world will be watching, so I hope that what everyone sees is that you can look different, and still be seen.”
The announcement follows FIFA and Global Citizen’s confirmation that Justin Bieber has joined Madonna, Shakira and BTS as co-headliners of the historic show, with Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay also on the bill.
Kelly’s inclusion builds on his performance at last year’s FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show, where he became the first person with a disability to headline a global event of this scale, duetting with Coldplay’s Chris Martin on “A Sky Full of Stars” in front of tens of thousands in the stadium and millions watching worldwide.
The news comes just days after a reception at the Palace of Westminster, backed by 0utlyer a 360 Entertainment, production company founded by Chris Martin, Emmanuel Kelly, and Joanne Reay, brought together politicians, business leaders and figures from the entertainment industry to promote the importance of creating real and long term employment opportunities for disabled, neurodivergent, unpaid carers, those with exclusionary conditions, and those with non-conforming Mental Health – people often pushed to the margins. The event, organised by 0UTLYER, coincided with the launch of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Disability Employment.
In further news for the entertainment entrepreneur, Kelly has now signed with UK-based Champions Speakers, the UK and Europe’s leading keynote speaker agency , and will share his story via a series of inspirational public speaking events, bringing his message of resilience and inclusion to audiences across business, education and beyond.
To learn more about Emmanuel Kelly, follow him on Instagram, and visit his official website.
