The 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show, the first of its kind in the tournament's history, featured performances from Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Coldplay, and others, but was met with widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Star-Studded Performances
Pop icon Madonna opened the show with her 2000 hit "Music," weaving in elements of her recent single "Bring Your Love." She arrived on the pitch in a pink jeep driven by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. The performance was followed by an instrumental rendition of the White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" by members of The Muppets and conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
BTS then performed their hit "Dynamite," before a segment featuring Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt as Ted Lasso and Coach Beard introduced Justin Bieber, who performed "EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH." Shakira followed with the official World Cup song "Dai Dai" alongside Burna Boy, and Coldplay closed the show with PS22 Chorus singing "We Believe in Love."
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Critics
Despite the star power, many viewers found the show disjointed. Former footballer Wayne Rooney was particularly blunt, saying, "Mine was when it finished. I like a lot of those artists but I thought it was crap. I did, honestly, it just didn't get me going, I wanted the football to come back on." He added that Justin Bieber's performance was "flat."
Liam Gallagher also weighed in, praising Bieber but calling the show "a bad trip." He joked, "It's a good job I've got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge."
Positive Feedback and Pre-Show Entertainment
Not all reactions were negative. Some fans on social media called Madonna's entrance with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho "Iconic." The pre-match closing ceremony also featured performances by IShowSpeed, Post Malone, Jennifer Hudson, and Robbie Williams, among others.
According to FIFA, the halftime show was a new initiative to enhance the fan experience, but the mixed reactions suggest it may need refinement for future tournaments.
