Madonna, Shakira, BTS Headline First World Cup Final Halftime Show

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain featured the first-ever halftime show in tournament history, staged at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The 27-minute intermission—nearly double the standard 15-minute break—included an 11-minute musical spectacle inspired by the Super Bowl Source: larepublicaco; elnacionalve.

Performances

Madonna opened the show, entering the field in a vehicle driven by Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho Source: excelsiormx. She performed "Music" according to some reports, while others say she sang "Danceteria" from her new album Source: larepublicaco; lavozar. BTS followed with their hit "Dynamite" Source: elnacionalve. Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, in character as Ted Lasso and Coach Beard, introduced Justin Bieber, who sang an acoustic version of "Hallelujah" altered to include "World Cup" Source: larepublicaco; clarin. Shakira and Burna Boy closed the show with "Dai Dai," the tournament's official song, accompanied by the Ghetto Kids Source: elnacionalve. Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel led the New York Philharmonic and Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, joined by the Muppets and the PS22 Chorus Source: lavozar.

Context

The show supported the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million for children's education and sports access Source: portafolioco. The extended halftime drew both praise for modernizing the event and criticism from traditionalists who felt it disrupted the flow of the match Source: larepublicaco. Chris Martin of Coldplay served as artistic director Source: excelsiormx.