Emmanuel Kelly to Make History as World Cup Halftime Performer

WHO:

ABC News - Emmanuel Kelly, Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS, Chris Martin, Moira Kelly

Al Jazeera - Emmanuel Kelly, Ahmed Kelly, Moira Kelly

WHAT:

ABC News - Emmanuel Kelly will perform at the FIFA World Cup Final halftime show, making history as the first differently-abled artist to headline this event.

Al Jazeera - The halftime show will feature Emmanuel Kelly alongside Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Madonna.

Al Jazeera - Kelly was described as “the first differently abled artist to headline a FIFA half-time show.”

WHERE:

ABC News - The performance will take place at the FIFA World Cup Final.

Al Jazeera - The World Cup final is being held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

WHEN:

ABC News - The halftime show is scheduled for Sunday.

Al Jazeera - The World Cup final is between Spain and Argentina.

WHY:

ABC News - Emmanuel Kelly aims to unite a divided world through his performance, stating, "it's about uniting an insanely divided world."

Al Jazeera - Kelly expressed that the performance represents "true full-scale global unity" and emphasizes that "no matter how different you are, you will still be seen."

HOW:

ABC News - Kelly's performance is part of a halftime show curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, marking a historical shift for soccer's biggest event.

Al Jazeera - Kelly and his brother underwent multiple surgeries to enable them to wear prosthetic limbs, which allowed them to become self-reliant.

(UPDATED July 20, 2026 12:45 UTC)

Emmanuel Kelly will make history as the first differently-abled artist to headline the halftime show at the FIFA World Cup Final, which will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Scheduled for Sunday, the show will also feature performances by Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Madonna, with Kelly emphasizing that his performance aims to unite a divided world and promote global unity. Curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, this groundbreaking event highlights the journey of Kelly and his brother, who underwent multiple surgeries to wear prosthetic limbs and achieve self-reliance.