Before Ciara Rocks the 2026 MLS All-Star Game Halftime Show, Relive Her Stunning SI Swimsuit Debut - swimsuit.si.com

What the report says

Sports Illustrated’s SI Swimsuit reported that Ciara is scheduled to headline the halftime show at Major League Soccer’s 2026 All-Star Game at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The performance is set for Wednesday, July 29, with the event airing at 8 p.m. ET on Apple TV, according to the article.

The report said MLS announced the decision on Saturday, July 25. Ciara, a Grammy-winning recording artist known for songs including “Level Up,” is also connected to the league as a part-owner of Seattle Sounders FC alongside her husband, Russell Wilson. In comments cited by SI from MLS, she described the halftime show as an honor and framed it as a celebration of soccer, culture and fan energy.

SI Swimsuit used the news to revisit Ciara’s 2022 debut with the magazine, when she appeared as one of four cover stars with Kim Kardashian, Yumi Nu and Maye Musk. The outlet noted that photographer Ben Watts shot Ciara in Barbados, with styling that included pieces from designers such as Mugler, LaQuan Smith and Baba Jagne, along with seaside accessories including hats, harnesses and gloves.

The story also placed Ciara’s SI Swimsuit appearance in a broader pop-culture context, noting her previous reflection on Tyra Banks’s historic Sports Illustrated cover moment and what that representation meant to her. The MLS halftime booking matters as another crossover between sports and entertainment, while also highlighting Ciara’s dual role as performer and soccer team owner.