2026 World Cup Final Hosts First-Ever Halftime Show! Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber Take the Stage; 'One Day After' Praised as Most World Cup-Spirited

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final took place on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with Spain facing off against Argentina. Beyond the intense match, FIFA made history by staging its first-ever halftime show during the World Cup final. The event brought together international superstars including Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Burna Boy. Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, and characters from 'The Muppet Show' also joined the performance.

The approximately 11-minute show packed in multiple acts, generating buzz for its star-studded lineup. However, its fast pace and fragmented transitions led to mixed audience reactions. Held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the halftime show was widely seen as FIFA's attempt to emulate the American Super Bowl halftime format. While the performance lasted about 11 minutes, the total halftime break extended to around 27 minutes due to stage setup and field maintenance, prompting some football fans to question whether entertainment was disrupting the traditional rhythm of the World Cup final.

Madonna opened the show, arriving on a rugged vehicle from the player tunnel, dressed in a pink vest and sporty jacket. Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho served as her drivers, with the license plate reading 'Maestro'—a grand entrance befitting the Queen of Pop. She performed her 2000 Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper 'Music,' with a stage designed around pink hues and a skating rink theme. Longtime collaborator Stuart Price joined as DJ, enhancing the vibrant, high-energy atmosphere that set the tone for the rest of the show.

Reactions to Madonna's performance were divided. Some praised her 'commanding presence' and declared 'Madonna is still powerful,' while others questioned whether parts were pre-recorded and felt her stage time was too brief to fully showcase her artistry.

Following Madonna, the show shifted dramatically to orchestral music. Gustavo Dudamel led musicians from New York and Venezuela in a reimagined version of The White Stripes' iconic 'Seven Nation Army.' Violins, flags, and colorful stage backdrops accompanied the performance, with the Electric Mayhem band and drummer Animal from 'The Muppet Show' making surprise appearances.

The fusion of classical music, football chants, and puppet characters created one of the most unexpected moments of the night. Online, viewers joked, 'The Muppets rowing was the funniest part,' while others expressed joy at seeing the beloved characters, saying they added a lighthearted touch to the high-stakes final. Still, some found the segment confusing in context.

Next, South Korean sensation BTS took the stage in red-and-black outfits with biker-style leather jackets, incorporating the group's signature number '7' into their styling. They performed their global hit 'Dynamite,' delivering tight choreography and high-energy moves despite the short duration. The group's stage command and precision highlighted K-pop's mastery of large-scale performances.

On social media, fans celebrated with comments like 'BTS! Amazing!' and 'BTS was the highlight.' However, some viewers noted uneven microphone levels or felt the song ended too soon, cutting the momentum before it peaked. Others ranked BTS and Shakira as the most stadium-appropriate acts, praising their ability to energize the crowd.

Actor Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, reprising their roles from the series 'Ted Lasso,' introduced Justin Bieber through a football-style substitution skit. Bieber appeared with an acoustic guitar, performing a stripped-down version of 'Everything Hallelujah,' changing the final lyrics to 'World Cup Hallelujah.'

In contrast to the high-octane acts before him, Bieber's quiet, introspective performance slowed the pace significantly. Some viewers praised his vocal strength, noting he earned applause with just voice and guitar. Others felt the song was too subdued, interrupting the buildup. Comments ranged from 'He missed the chance to perform a hit song' to 'His vocals were great, but why this song?'

Shakira and Nigerian star Burna Boy followed, widely regarded as the most authentic 'World Cup spirit' performance. They performed the tournament's official song 'Dai Dai,' with Shakira in a shimmering pink-and-yellow outfit and Burna Boy in a white top, gold chain, and beanie. Uganda's Ghetto Kids dance troupe added vibrant energy to the stage.

Shakira energized the crowd, shouting '¡Más fuerte!' in Spanish, urging fans to cheer louder. Having performed iconic World Cup anthems like 'Hips Don’t Lie,' 'Waka Waka,' and 'La La La,' she is seen by many as the face of the tournament. Her return was a major talking point.

Online, fans said, 'Only Shakira brought real World Cup energy,' and 'The whole show should’ve been her solo concert.' Others called their collaboration the most joyful and infectious moment. Some even suggested that a show led by Shakira, Burna Boy, Dudamel, and the Muppets might have been more cohesive.

The finale began with the PS22 Children’s Choir, followed by Chris Martin, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and other Muppets. Shakira, BTS, Dudamel, and other performers returned to the center of the field. As the camera pulled back, a massive 'LOVE' formation emerged on the field, with the 'O' replaced by a globe design. Fireworks lit the sky, closing the historic first World Cup final halftime show.

The children’s choir and themes of peace and unity resonated with some viewers, who called the kids the 'true highlight' and praised the grand reunion of all performers. Others criticized the show for overcrowding too many artists, calling it 'a rapid-fire highlight reel' lacking a clear narrative thread.

From Madonna to BTS, Justin Bieber to football legends, orchestras, children, and Muppets, FIFA attempted to appeal to diverse global audiences within 11 minutes. Yet, with so many acts, most performances lasted only about a minute, leaving audiences emotionally unengaged before the next transition.

Public forums described the show as 'like a dream,' 'glamorous and fresh,' while others called it 'disjointed' or said 'the World Cup doesn’t need a halftime show.' Still, many acknowledged it as an ambitious and entertaining experiment, with surprises like Madonna and the Muppets delighting viewers.

While the first World Cup halftime show may not have matched the Super Bowl’s polished legacy, it successfully merged sports, music, and pop culture in a single night. From Shakira’s peak energy to Bieber’s controversial song choice, and fan debates over the 27-minute break, this performance has already become a defining moment of the 2026 World Cup.