This summer, Global Citizen is set to host its most ambitious event yet, with a special halftime show during the FIFA World Cup. The performance will be curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already highly anticipated event. Details about the final performance, scheduled for July 19 at New York’s MetLife Stadium, are still under wraps, but there’s no doubt that this will be a spectacle to remember.
The event is being compared to the NFL’s famed Super Bowl Halftime Show, with expectations that it will be just as unforgettable. Anthony Alfano, the director of artist engagement at Global Citizen, has shared some hints about the collaboration with Chris Martin. He emphasized that the event will be designed with the environment in mind, drawing inspiration from Coldplay’s commitment to sustainability.
Global Citizen and FIFA have been working together since 2024 on a four-year partnership aimed at improving access to sport and quality education for children around the world. While the platform is best known for its annual festivals, it also works to raise awareness and funds for various causes, including eradicating extreme poverty and protecting the rainforest.
Coldplay’s involvement in this initiative feels natural, given their long-standing focus on environmental issues. Their Music of the Spheres tour saw a 59% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to previous tours. This was part of a 12-step plan that included planting seven million saplings, reducing air travel, and even creating a dancefloor that generates electricity through fans jumping.
Anthony shared that many of these elements will be incorporated into the FIFA World Cup halftime show. “We’re really looking at every aspect,” he said. “In terms of how we’re looking at reducing carbon footprints and offsetting as much as possible where possible, in the lead-up but also on the day.”
There have been rumors about who might perform at the event, with Bruce Springsteen being a popular choice. Other potential performers include Beyoncé, Selena Gomez, and Dua Lipa, who recently headlined Glastonbury alongside Coldplay.
Global Citizen has worked with numerous high-profile artists, including Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Kendrick Lamar, and Beyoncé, in its efforts to address global challenges. However, the organization is careful when choosing collaborators, ensuring that they align with their core values.
“We take values really seriously,” Anthony explained. “Not just because it’s a reputational risk, but really looking at the heart of an artist and why we would want to work with them.” He added that while the goal is to work with as many top artists as possible, the alignment of values is crucial.
With recent controversies surrounding events like the Wireless Kanye West incident, organizers are more aware than ever of the impact one decision can have on their platform. If asked to work with someone who has faced criticism in the past, Anthony said the organization would need to feel sincere about their efforts to make amends.
Controversy can also spark important conversations, highlighting the power of celebrities to influence change. Anthony believes that artists serve as an incredible opportunity to introduce fans to issues they may not have considered before. “There’s always going to be things where people focus too much on one artist or one cultural figure,” he said. “But I think if even that little bit of focus comes from a major artist or a cultural figure helps that cause.”
Anthony will be speaking at SXSW London on June 4, discussing how artists, audiences, and activists can work together to inspire urgent action for the Earth. SXSW London will return for its second year, featuring talks, performances, and film screenings across Shoreditch venues from June 1 to 6. With over 800 speakers announced, including Marvel’s Joe and Anthony Russo and Editor-in-Chief Deborah Arthurs, the event promises to be a hub of creativity and innovation.
He will be part of the Artists x Earth: Protect the Planet with Music panel, alongside record label bosses, authors, and charity founders. “The biggest thing I hope people leave with is that you don’t have to be the biggest artist on the planet to have an impact and make a change,” he said. “Change starts with a single person every day, and that can be as simple as you making different decisions in your life.”
Anthony added that music and social movements have always been connected, and this event is just another example of that powerful relationship. “When you hear a tune or a beat, it really guides your soul and your heart into something [bigger].”
