The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final halftime show delivered a historic first for football, transforming the biggest match in the sport into a global entertainment event with performances from Shakira, Burna Boy, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Madonna. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen in partnership with FIFA, the 11-minute spectacle attempted to blend football, pop culture, and a worldwide philanthropic message into one fast-paced performance.
Held during the Spain vs. Argentina final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026, the show marked the first official Super Bowl-style halftime production in FIFA World Cup history. With only a limited window between the two halves, each artist had to deliver a memorable impact in a compressed format — creating a night where some performances soared while others left audiences wanting more.
4. Madonna — “Music”
Madonna’s appearance carried the weight of history, but the execution did not fully match the expectations surrounding the Queen of Pop. Instead of performing directly on the pitch, she opened her segment inside the stadium with a futuristic dancefloor-inspired setup filled with flashing lights, massive choreography, and a club atmosphere built around her timeless hit “Music.”
The production itself was impressive. Madonna commanded the space with the confidence that has defined her career for decades, while the dancers brought the energy expected from one of pop’s greatest performers. The visual concept also connected with the show’s message of unity, expanding into a larger classical arrangement featuring Gustavo Dudamel, the New York Philharmonic, and Venezuela’s Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra.
Her journey from the stadium interior toward the field added a cinematic moment, especially when football legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo helped escort her toward the pitch. However, the decision to keep much of the performance away from the center of the World Cup stage slightly reduced the impact of what could have been the night’s defining moment.
3. Justin Bieber — “Everything Hallelujah”
Justin Bieber’s performance represented the biggest stylistic departure of the halftime show. After the explosive energy of BTS, Bieber appeared with only a guitar, allowing his vocals and songwriting to take the spotlight during a stripped-back rendition of “Everything Hallelujah.”
The simplicity was both the performance’s greatest strength and its biggest risk. On a stage designed around global spectacle, fireworks, choreography, and stadium-sized moments, Bieber intentionally created a quieter atmosphere where the World Cup final briefly transformed into an intimate acoustic session.
His vocal delivery was controlled and reflective.
2. BTS — “Dynamite”
BTS proved once again why they remain among the strongest live performers in modern pop music. Returning to a major global stage just a few days after their iconic performance in Paris, the group delivered the kind of precise choreography, charisma, and crowd control that has become their trademark.
Dressed in striking red and black outfits inspired by the energy of the football match, all seven members transformed the pitch into a celebration with their global smash hit “Dynamite.”
The performance also carried historical significance for Jungkook, who became the first Asian artist to perform at multiple FIFA World Cup ceremonies after previously appearing as a solo artist during the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar.
The only limitation was the format itself. With just a few minutes available, BTS could only provide a glimpse of their full stage ability.
1. Shakira & Burna Boy — “Dai Dai”
Shakira and Burna Boy delivered the halftime show’s strongest combination of music, movement, and football energy. Their performance of the tournament anthem “Dai Dai” immediately connected with the global audience, bringing together Latin pop, Afrofusion, and the international spirit FIFA hoped to capture.
Shakira looked completely at home on the World Cup stage, bringing the high-energy choreography that has made her previous football performances iconic. After appearing somewhat restrained during the opening ceremony, she returned with a sharper and more commanding presence, proving why her connection with the tournament remains unmatched.
The addition of Uganda’s Ghetto Kids dance troupe elevated the performance further, creating a colorful and emotional celebration that expanded beyond the two headline artists.
Football and Shakira have always been a powerful combination, and “Dai Dai” continued that tradition.
Photo: Rob Kim/Getty Images for Global Citizen
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