The 2026 Global Citizen Festival has announced its full initial lineup, and it includes one of the most anticipated reunions in hip-hop. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean will perform together on the Great Lawn of New York's Central Park on September 26, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Fugees' landmark 1996 album The Score, according to Billboard.
Joining them on the bill are K-pop superstars TOMORROW X TOGETHER, Lenny Kravitz, John Legend, Shaboozey and Lainey Wilson. The event will be hosted by Hugh Jackman, with appearances from Rachel Brosnahan and Gayle King. Additional names are expected to be announced.
Tickets to the festival are free and can be earned by taking action on the Global Citizen app or at globalcitizenfestival.com. This year, the organization introduced a second option: after completing action journeys on the app and earning enough points, users can either enter a free ticket lottery or make a $25 charitable donation to immediately secure a ticket. Donation-based tickets are limited, with the majority still available through the free action pathway.
The 2026 festival will focus on three issues that organizers say drive cycles of extreme poverty. Those are creating opportunities for two million children to attend school, supporting 1.5 million smallholder farmers, and providing electricity for 2.5 million homes. Funds raised will also benefit the City Parks Foundation's youth education and parks programming across all five boroughs of New York City, as well as organizations helping people experiencing homelessness in the city.
"I believe all of us can do something to make the world a better place, so I'm proud to be performing at the Global Citizen Festival for the first time," Wilson said in a statement. "It's a chance to come together and support important work around children's education, farmers and food security, and access to electricity — and have a whole lot of fun while we're at it. Can't wait to see y'all in Central Park!"
Jackman, a Global Citizen Ambassador, also released a statement. "It's time to gather once again on the Great Lawn, in the middle of New York City, to tell the world an end to extreme poverty is possible," he said. "There's something every one of us can do to change the world, and what better way to participate than by taking action with Global Citizen, earning those points, and celebrating with a day of music and advocacy to close out the summer. See you there!"
The festival follows the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, which was produced by Global Citizen and raised $60 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
