The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final made history on July 19, 2026, not only because Spain lifted the trophy but also because FIFA introduced its first-ever halftime show during a World Cup final. Inspired by the entertainment format of the Super Bowl, the performance brought together some of the world’s biggest music stars, football legends, orchestras, and celebrity guests.
Curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in partnership with Global Citizen, the show aimed to celebrate football, music, and global unity while supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to raise $100 million to improve children’s access to education and football programs worldwide.
If you missed the performance or want a complete recap, here’s everything you need to know about the FIFA World Cup halftime show performers, setlist, surprise guests, and fan reactions.
A Brief History of the FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup is the biggest international football tournament, organized by FIFA every four years since 1930. Over the decades, the tournament has become one of the world’s most watched sporting events, bringing together the best national teams and billions of viewers.
While opening ceremonies have long been part of the World Cup experience, the 2026 final marked the first time FIFA introduced a dedicated halftime show during the championship match. The decision was inspired by the popularity of the NFL Super Bowl halftime show and was designed to combine football with global entertainment while supporting charitable initiatives.
Who Performed at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final halftime show featured an impressive lineup of international artists, football icons, orchestras, and special guests.
Headline Performers
- Madonna
- Justin Bieber
- Shakira
- BTS
Featured Performers
- Burna Boy
- Chris Martin (Coldplay)
Orchestra and Choir
- Gustavo Dudamel
- New York Philharmonic
- Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela
- PS22 Chorus
Special Appearances
- Sesame Street characters
- The Muppets
- Kermit the Frog
- Miss Piggy
- Cookie Monster
Surprise Guests
Several unexpected appearances became some of the biggest talking points of the night.
- Ronaldo Nazário
- Ronaldinho
- Jason Sudeikis
- Brendan Hunt
- Emmanuel Kelly
- The Ghetto Kids dance group
What Songs Did They Perform?
The halftime show ran for roughly 11 to 17 minutes of performance time (reports vary, with the full break stretching to over 27 minutes including stage setup). Here’s the rough order of the setlist:
- Madonna opened with her 2000 hit “Music,” entering on a dune buggy after a pre-recorded roller-rink intro, joined by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
- BTS performed “Dynamite” a high-energy medley of their biggest hits, bringing one of the loudest crowd reactions of the evening.
- Justin Bieber slowed things down with an acoustic performance of “Everything Hallelujah,” backed by just a guitar, after his “Ted Lasso” introduction.
- Shakira and Burna Boy brought the energy back up with “Dai Dai,” the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem that played before all 104 matches.
- The Muppets performed “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, a song already adopted as an unofficial football chant worldwide.
- Closing segment: Chris Martin, Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus, and the Sesame Street/Muppets cast closed the show together, built around a theme of unity and love.
The standout collaboration was Shakira and Burna Boy reprising “Dai Dai” live, since it had been the tournament’s anthem all summer. The Muppets doing a rock anthem was the biggest surprise pairing of the night.
Biggest Moments From the FIFA World Cup Halftime Show
Several moments quickly went viral after the performance.
- Madonna’s entrance with Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho.
- Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt appearing as Ted Lasso characters.
- BTS receiving one of the loudest crowd reactions.
- Shakira and Burna Boy performing Dai Dai live.
- The Muppets singing Seven Nation Army.
- Gustavo Dudamel conducting two internationally renowned orchestras.
- The colorful finale built around the message of LOVE and the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
Why Were These Artists Chosen?
Rather than focusing on one music genre, FIFA selected performers who represented different cultures and audiences around the world.
Global Appeal
Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and BTS are among the world’s most recognizable music artists with international fan bases.
FIFA Connections
Shakira has a long history with the FIFA World Cup, including performing Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) during the 2010 tournament before returning with Dai Dai, the official song for 2026.
Chris Martin’s Vision
As the show’s curator, Chris Martin focused on bringing together artists whose music reflected themes of unity, hope, and inclusion.
Supporting a Global Cause
The performance also promoted the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to improve access to education and football opportunities for children worldwide.
How Fans Reacted to the FIFA World Cup Halftime Show?
The performance generated widespread discussion across social media, with opinions divided.
Positive Reactions
Many viewers praised the ambitious lineup, BTS’s performance, Shakira’s return to the World Cup stage, and the emotional finale featuring the children’s choir and orchestras.
Criticism
Some football fans questioned whether introducing a halftime show changed the traditional flow of the World Cup Final. Others debated the extended halftime length and speculated about the use of pre-recorded vocals during parts of the performance.
Public Figures Weighed In
Former England striker Wayne Rooney described the show as underwhelming, while football journalist Miguel Delaney questioned whether the longer halftime affected the players’ rhythm. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, however, described the event as a historic milestone for the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Who headlined the FIFA World Cup halftime show? Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and BTS co-headlined, with Burna Boy as a featured performer.
How long was the performance? The performance segment ran approximately 11 to 17 minutes, though the full halftime break, including stage setup and teardown, stretched to about 27 minutes.
Was it live? FIFA and the artists presented it as a live performance, though some viewers online speculated that parts of Madonna’s and Shakira’s vocals were pre-recorded. This hasn’t been officially confirmed.
Who was the surprise guest? Brazilian football legends Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho appeared alongside Madonna, and “Ted Lasso” actors Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt introduced Justin Bieber in character.
Was this the first-ever World Cup final halftime show? Yes. It’s the first time in the World Cup’s 96-year history that a halftime show was held during the final.
