The FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime show delivered a star-studded spectacle at MetLife Stadium, bringing together some of the biggest names in global entertainment. Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber were among the performers who took the stage during the tournament’s first-ever halftime show, creating an 11-minute performance packed with music, celebrity appearances and cultural moments. Designed to bring a Super Bowl-style entertainment experience to football’s biggest tournament, the show featured multiple artists performing short segments of their biggest hits.
Unlike the traditional American football halftime format that usually centres around one major performer, the World Cup show featured several global acts sharing the spotlight. Madonna opened the performance with her 2000 dance-pop hit “Music”, bringing a high-energy start to the event. The singer was joined by legendary Brazilian footballers Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, adding a football connection to the musical celebration. The performance began with a prerecorded segment before Madonna entered the stadium on a dune buggy.
The show continued with Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel leading an orchestra through The White Stripes’ popular sports anthem “Seven Nation Army”. The Muppets house band also joined the segment, with Animal taking the place of drummer Meg White in a playful tribute to the iconic song. K-pop superstars BTS then took over the stage, performing their global hit “Dynamite”. The group appeared in red and black outfits and added another international flavour to a performance that brought together artists from different cultures and music genres.
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Actor Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt also made an appearance while promoting the upcoming season of the popular series “Ted Lasso”. Staying in character, they encouraged Justin Bieber before the singer performed “Everything Hallelujah” with an acoustic guitar, bringing a more relaxed and intimate moment to the high-energy show. Shakira and Burna Boy closed the performance with “Dai Dai”, the official World Cup anthem played before all 104 matches during the tournament. The Colombian superstar appeared in a yellow and pink feathered outfit, surrounded by dancers including children, before Burna Boy joined her for the Afrobeats-inspired finale.
The halftime show reflected the growing connection between football and global entertainment. The World Cup has increasingly become more than just a sporting event, with organisers using music, celebrity appearances and cultural performances to create a worldwide celebration around the tournament. The presence of artists from different parts of the world also highlighted the international appeal of the competition. From Latin pop and K-pop to American pop and African rhythms, the performance attempted to represent the diverse audience that follows the World Cup.
Held at MetLife Stadium, the venue known for hosting major sporting and entertainment events, the halftime show marked a new chapter in World Cup presentations. The organisers aimed to create a spectacle comparable to other major global sporting events while maintaining the tournament’s unique international identity. With performances from some of the biggest names in music and appearances from football legends and popular entertainment figures, the World Cup halftime show became one of the most talked-about moments away from the pitch. The 11-minute performance delivered a blend of music, sport and global culture for millions of viewers worldwide.
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