The 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to a close today (July 19) after over a month of intense gameplay. But before Spain and Argentina finish duking it out, another major spectacle was in order: the first-ever official World Cup Halftime Show. The inaugural event featured performances from Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Justin Bieber, and the Muppets. Watch highlights from the 11-minute show below.
The game sat at a 0-0 tie as the first half concluded, leaving tensions high at MetLife Stadium. Spirits lifted, however, when the halftime show kicked off with a Madonna appearance. She performed “Music,” the title track of her 2000 album, surrounded by dancers before Brazilian soccer legends (and former World Cup champions) Ronaldo and Ronaldinho escorted her onto the field in style. Her set transitioned into a number from another iconic, one-name act: the Muppets, who laid down a cover of the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army.” The troupe was led by Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
After Janice and Animal had their fill, it was time for BTS to play: the K-pop juggernauts performed their hit single “Dynamite.” Jason Sudeikis appeared in character as Ted Lasso to introduce Justin Bieber who, accompanied by just his own acoustic guitar, performed the SWAG track “Everything Hallelujah,” changing the lyrics of the song to “World Cup Hallelujah” to mark the moment.
Next up were Shakira and Burna Boy, who gave the halftime show its denoument with a performance of their official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem “Dai Dai.” For its big finish, Chris Martin, Shakira, and the Muppets performed “We Believe” alongside a children’s chorus, as the world “Love”—with an “O” stylized to look like Earth—was broadcast onto the field.
Ahead of the halftime show, even more artists contributed to the opening ceremony. Jennifer Hudson delivered a rousing rendition of the National Anthem, before Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini came together to perform a number from the 2026 FIFA World Cup soundtrack, “Desire.” Post Malone also took the championship field in East Rutherford, New Jersey, donning a t-shirt reading “I Just Hope Both Teams Have Fun” to debut a new song alongside old favorites like “Wow.” He also brought out Swae Lee to join him for their 2018 hit “Sunflower.”
For all the artists in attendance, not everyone in the music world was so hot on the halftime show. In an Instagram post shared ahead of the game’s kickoff, the Cure aired some grievances with the performance and FIFA president Gianni Infantosser’s characterization of the show as a “groundbreaking spectacle” that will “celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.” The Cure’s thoughts, per their caption? “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH… #Breadandcircuses #MUGWANK #pleasejustfuckoff.” (We may still be uncertain about the official definition of “mugwank,” but the sentiment came through clear as day.)
English (US) · 