Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Burna Boy led a star-studded halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday evening, as 1.5 billion viewers tuned in worldwide. The performance marked the first time FIFA staged entertainment during the final, breaking with tradition and drawing inspiration from the US Super Bowl's halftime spectacle.
Madonna Opens with a Roar
Madonna confidently opened the show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, dressed in a lilac-coloured motorcycle outfit. Surrounded by a youthful throng, the music icon rode through the backstage and onto the pitch while singing a mashup of her 2008 hit "Music" and the 2026 anthem "Danceteria." The performance set a festive tone for the evening.
Orchestral Jam with The Muppets
Gustavo Dudamel, music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, led the combined might of the New York Philharmonic and Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela in a dazzling jam session. Joining them was none other than Animal, the wild-eyed drummer from The Muppets, on percussion.
BTS and Justin Bieber Shift Energy
South Korean boy band BTS then enveloped the pitch in a sea of red mist as they performed their hit "Dynamite," clad in varying red leather outfits. The energy shifted as Justin Bieber walked out solo with an acoustic guitar, delivering a heartfelt rendition of his hit "Everything Hallelujah," easily winning over the crowd.
Shakira and Burna Boy Bring Latin and Afrobeats
The thumping sounds of Latin pop and Afrobeats returned as Shakira and Burna Boy marched out with an army of grass-skirted dancers to the beat of "Dai, Dai," the official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Shakira hurled out the lyrics with energy, while Burna Boy's lightning vocalisations pierced at just the right moment.
Coldplay and Muppets Close the Show
The set finished with a moving call for love by the PS22 Chorus, with Coldplay themselves discreetly in the background. Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog stepped into the limelight, adding a touch of whimsy. This year's halftime show was curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and is in aid of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million to improve access to quality education and football for children globally.
Match Context
The final saw Spain facing reigning champions Argentina. Spain reached the final for just the second time in their history, with the chance to become the first nation to complete a Euros and World Cup double on two separate occasions. Argentina, who came from behind to beat England in the semi-final, aimed to become only the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups, following Italy in 1934 and 1938. As of 80 minutes into the tense match, no goals had been scored.
