Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber star in World Cup's first halftime show as Spain beats Argentina
The FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium featured the tournament's first-ever halftime show, with performances by Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber.
A Super Bowl-style break
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, introduced a new tradition: a halftime show modeled on the Super Bowl. The break between the two halves was extended well beyond the usual 15 minutes. Reports on the exact length varied: some outlets timed the interval from the end of the first half to the start of the second at 27 minutes, while FIFA had earlier indicated the performance itself would last approximately 11 minutes. One Spanish newspaper described the show as lasting "poco más de 15 minutos" (just over 15 minutes). The extension drew both curiosity and criticism from football purists concerned about disrupting the rhythm of the match.
Star-studded lineup
Madonna opened the show, arriving on the field in a classic car driven by Brazilian football legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazário, and performed her 2000 hit "Music". BTS followed with "Dynamite", bringing K-pop energy to the 82,000-strong crowd. Justin Bieber then delivered a solo acoustic rendition of "Everything Hallelujah", a song about gratitude and faith. The centerpiece was Shakira, who performed the official World Cup song "Dai Dai" alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy, joined by the Ugandan dance group Ghetto Kids and winners of the Dai Dai Challenge. Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel led the New York Philharmonic and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, while Sesame Street characters and the PS22 youth choir added a community feel. Coldplay, whose frontman Chris Martin served as the show's artistic director, closed the segment with the PS22 choir, bringing Shakira, BTS and Bieber back on stage for a finale built around the message "Love".
- Madonna performs 'Music', joined by Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazário in a classic car
- BTS performs 'Dynamite'
- Justin Bieber performs 'Everything Hallelujah' solo with guitar
- Shakira and Burna Boy perform official World Cup song 'Dai Dai'
- Coldplay and PS22 choir close the show, joined by Shakira, BTS and Bieber
Charitable cause
The spectacle was produced by Global Citizen in partnership with Live Nation and Done +, with the aim of promoting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The initiative seeks to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. The halftime show thus doubled as a fundraising platform, blending entertainment with a social mission.
Pre-match ceremonies
Before kickoff, the closing ceremony of the tournament featured Post Malone, actor Tom Cruise, singers Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini, and streamer IShowSpeed. Argentine legend Mario Kempes and Spanish great Andrés Iniesta presented the World Cup trophy. National anthems were performed by Spanish Brass for Spain, María Becerra for Argentina, and Jennifer Hudson for the host United States. Tenor Christopher Macchio sang "America the Beautiful". The official World Cup anthem "Desire" was performed by Laura Pausini, Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger. The field itself was covered with a massive artwork by Argentine artist Felipe Pantone, depicting a multicolored Earth to symbolize diversity and football's global reach.
Mixed reviews
Reaction to the halftime experiment was divided. Some Spanish media dismissed it as "mucho ruido y pocas nueces" (much ado about nothing), calling the rapid succession of acts frenetic and lacking memorable moments. Others praised the ambition of turning the World Cup final into an even larger global entertainment event. Spain ultimately defeated Argentina to claim their second World Cup title, but the halftime show ensured the 2026 final would be remembered for more than just the football.
