Madonna, Shakira, BTS headline first World Cup final halftime show

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina featured the tournament's inaugural halftime show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The performance, extending halftime to approximately 25–30 minutes, included Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber, alongside conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus, Burna Boy, and characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets. Chris Martin of Coldplay curated the 11-minute performance.

Shakira performed the 2026 World Cup anthem "Dai Dai," marking her fourth World Cup performance across the tournament's history. The Colombian artist wore a custom Roberto Cavalli design featuring over 200,000 hand-applied Swarovski crystals, designed by Fausto Puglisi. BTS took the stage during their comeback following a nearly four-year hiatus due to mandatory military service in South Korea. Justin Bieber returned to performing at a major event after headlining Coachella in April.

The halftime show raised funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to collect $100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described it as "the biggest halftime show in the world." The performance drew an expected audience of over 80,000 spectators at the stadium and billions of television viewers globally.

The extended halftime sparked debate among sports analysts and observers. The International Football Association Board (Ifab) specifies a maximum 15-minute stoppage for players' rest and welfare. Critics raised concerns that the prolonged break—roughly double the standard duration—could affect player performance and safety. Sports broadcaster Betty Glover and football content creator Ellis Platten questioned whether the entertainment prioritization aligns with athlete welfare, while James Massing from Live Nation argued that musical performances at major sporting events respond to heightened fan expectations and competition from other live experiences.

The World Cup final in the United States featured extensive celebrity attendance, including US President Donald Trump, Tom Cruise, and members of Spain's royal family. Pre-match performances included Jennifer Hudson singing the US national anthem, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and Laura Pausini. The tournament marked a significant shift in World Cup halftime entertainment, following a 24-minute Club World Cup final halftime show at the same venue in 2025 featuring Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems.