The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final marked a historic moment as it featured the tournament’s first ever halftime show, an entertainment spectacle curated by Coldplay’s frontman, Chris Martin. This groundbreaking event took place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, offering football fans a unique combination of sport and music during the championship match.
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The star-studded lineup included international music icons such as Shakira, Madonna, BTS, and Justin Bieber, who gathered for an exhilarating 11-minute performance. This initiative was not only an entertainment highlight but also aimed to raise awareness for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to improve access to education and sports for children in underprivileged communities worldwide.
The flamboyant show commenced with Madonna delivering an energising performance of her 2000 hit “Music.” Accompanied by Brazilian football legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, she set the tone for what would become a thrilling halftime extravaganza. Madonna’s act blended elements of her classic tracks with a spirited rendition of “Disco Inferno,” captivating the audience and paving the way for more vibrant performances.
Following Madonna, global sensation BTS took the stage, performing their chart-topping anthem “Dynamite.” The K-Pop group electrified the stadium, prompting jubilant cheers from the crowd. To add an element of delight, beloved television character Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, made a cameo appearance. His playful banter with his assistant Coach Beard, portrayed by Brendan Hunt, entertained the audience as they introduced the next act.
Transitioning from the infectious energy of BTS, Justin Bieber took a more intimate approach as he stripped down his performance to an acoustic rendition of “Everything Hallelujah.” This heartfelt performance showcased his musical versatility and offered a moment of reflection amidst the high-energy event.
The show then crescendoed as Shakira returned to the stage, performing “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 World Cup, alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy. Their collaboration added a vibrant multicultural element to the proceedings, reflecting the diversity celebrated during the tournament.
Crowning the performances, the PS22 Chorus, composed of over 50 fifth graders from Staten Island, joined forces with Coldplay, the Muppets, and Emmanuel Kelly to deliver a touching rendition of “We Dance.” This addition underscored the family-friendly atmosphere of the event and highlighted FIFA’s commitment to promoting education and community involvement.
In the days leading up to the event, anticipation had grown with Shakira herself admitting uncertainty about how the show would unfold. She expressed her excitement on The Capital Evening Show, sharing her eagerness to showcase a unique performance compared to her earlier appearance at the tournament’s opening ceremony. “It’s going to be pretty historic, five amazing artists,” she remarked, acknowledging the collective talent involved.
Earlier in the day, the closing ceremony had already set a celebratory tone with Post Malone kicking off the festivities. He was joined by an array of stars including Tom Cruise, Jennifer Hudson, and Robbie Williams, creating an atmosphere of excitement as fans anticipated the climax of the World Cup.
The integration of the halftime show into the World Cup Final not only entertained but also served a philanthropic purpose. FIFA pledged to donate $1 from every ticket sold across all 104 matches in the tournament to support the Global Citizen Education Fund, which has already raised an impressive $60 million. Recently, FIFA and Global Citizen announced 31 grantees from 18 countries that would benefit from grants aimed at enhancing educational and sports access for children.
As the first World Cup Final halftime show, this event fused the worlds of football and music in a manner previously unseen in the tournament’s history. It proved to be a landmark occasion, celebrating athleticism, artistry, and the power of community as millions watched the performances unfold live, creating memories for fans around the globe.