BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Madonna and More Light Up FIFA’s First World Cup Halftime Spectacle
The first halftime show in World Cup history arrived with major star power. BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira and Madonna shared the spotlight for FIFA’s debut mid-game entertainment during the final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19.
Madonna opened the evening with a performance of her 2000 hit "Music", arriving in a pink-and-mauve look and making her entrance with help from Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. She then passed the momentum to Venezuelan maestro Gustavo Dudamel and his orchestra, whose set was joined by the Muppets playing instruments.
Next up, BTS sent the stadium into overdrive with "Dynamite", performing in matching red, black, and white outfits as the crowd erupted.
After the K-pop group’s set, the mood shifted into something softer. Ted Lasso stars Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt appeared in character, joking that the stadium needed someone who could “bring the love.” That cue led to Justin Bieber, who stepped out with his guitar for a stripped-down version of "Everything Hallelujah", ending with a playful lyric change to, "It's the World Cup, hallelujah."
The energy picked back up when Shakira and Burna Boy took over with a lively performance of "Dai Dai", getting fans on their feet across the venue.
To close the presentation, the PS22 Chorus joined Chris Martin of Coldplay, who helped shape the show, along with dancers and Sesame Street characters for a finale centered on unity, kindness, and shared joy.
The performers were first revealed as the event’s inaugural co-headliners in May, with Bieber added later. Beyond the entertainment, the event also carried a charitable message: FIFA said that $1 from every ticket sold for the 2026 World Cup would go toward social projects around the world.
Shakira, who first performed at a World Cup two decades ago, has said the tournament has long held special meaning for her. Speaking to People on June 3, she described the event as a source of inspiration for children with big dreams and noted that every champion begins as a kid who was encouraged not to give up.
She also reflected on her deep bond with soccer, calling it unbreakable and saying this World Cup would be especially powerful because of its message of togetherness during a difficult social and political moment.
Chris Martin later explained in a May 14 YouTube video that the halftime concept was meant to celebrate music, dance, and the diversity of people everywhere.
