In a groundbreaking moment for football history, the FIFA World Cup 2026 final offered an unprecedented halftime show reminiscent of the Super Bowl's extravagance. For the first time in the tournament's 96-year history, the legendary MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, hosted a star-studded performance featuring Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber.
This 17-minute spectacle, comprising 11 minutes of performances and 6 minutes for stage setup and tear-down, was a joint production by Global Citizen and FIFA, under the artistic direction of Coldplay's Chris Martin. The event aimed to raise $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, with all artists performing pro bono.
The Queen of Pop Opens the Stage
Madonna kicked off this historic event, captivating the audience with her hit "Music" on a field where Argentina and Spain vied for the championship. The highlight of her segment came when football legends Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho joined her on stage, adding a memorable twist to her performance.
Madonna's act coincided with a fresh chapter in her storied career, following the recent release of "Confessions II," her fifteenth studio album and a sequel to the 2005 hit "Confessions on a Dance Floor." The album, produced with Stuart Price and featuring collaborations with artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Martin Garrix, showcases her enduring influence in the music world.
Dynamic Performances and Global Flair
Following Madonna, Gustavo Dudamel, the renowned Venezuelan conductor, delivered a standout segment alongside The Muppets, blending classical music with popular entertainment in a delightful display.
BTS made history by bringing K-Pop to a World Cup final stage for the first time, energizing the crowd with their hit "Dynamite," complete with synchronized choreography and vibrant red and black outfits.
Justin Bieber followed, charming the audience with an intimate guitar-backed performance after an introduction by the beloved character Ted Lasso.
Shakira's Historic Moment
The finale was spectacularly led by Shakira, who performed "Dai Dai," the official song of the 2026 World Cup, backed by the Ugandan group Ghetto Kids in bright yellow, along with Burna Boy, Coldplay, and the PS22 Chorus.
Shakira's presence marked a historical milestone as she became the first artist to feature in both the opening ceremony at Mexico's Estadio Azteca and the closing ceremony of a World Cup, adding "Dai Dai" to her list of World Cup anthems following "Waka Waka" (2010) and "La La La" (2014).
The closing lineup also included Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Post Malone, and Jennifer Hudson, who performed the United States national anthem. Special appearances by Tom Cruise and IShowSpeed further enlivened the event.
The thrilling matchup between Argentina and Spain—marking their first World Cup final encounter—played out in front of 82,500 spectators at the MetLife Stadium. Notably, President Donald Trump attended the trophy presentation alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Key Highlights from the 2026 World Cup Halftime Show
Who directed the 2026 World Cup halftime show?
The artistic direction of the 2026 World Cup halftime show was led by Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay.
Which artists performed at the halftime show of the 2026 World Cup final?
The halftime show featured performances by Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, Gustavo Dudamel with The Muppets, Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Post Malone, and Jennifer Hudson.
What was the significance of Shakira's performance at the 2026 World Cup?
Shakira made history by being the first artist to perform at both the opening and closing ceremonies of a World Cup. Her song "Dai Dai" is her fourth official World Cup anthem.