Star-Studded Performance at World Cup Final

For the first time, a World Cup final featured a major halftime show. The event took place during the match between Argentina and Spain, showcasing various performers.

Opening with Madonna
Madonna began the show performing “Music” from her 2000 album. Accompanied by Brazilian soccer legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, she performed at the edge of the field. A Muppet drum break followed her performance.

BTS and Justin Bieber Take the Stage
BTS entertained the crowd with their 2020 hit “Dynamite.” Following them, Justin Bieber, introduced by Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso, performed “Everything Hallelujah.” He modified the lyrics to “World Cup Hallelujah” from his 2025 album “Swag.”

Shakira and Burna Boy Perform Official Song
Shakira, a World Cup performance veteran, sang with Burna Boy. They performed “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official song. The performance concluded with a children’s choir from Staten Island’s P.S. 22 singing “We Believe,” joined by Chris Martin and the Muppets.

Halftime Show Details
FIFA aimed to replicate the cultural success of the Super Bowl halftime shows. Some critics were concerned about the sanctity of the sport and game flow. Typically, soccer halftimes are 15 minutes; however, this performance lasted just under 12 minutes at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with setup and takedown included, bringing total intermission time to around 27 minutes.

Direction and Purpose
Chris Martin of Coldplay directed the creative aspects and selected the artists. Global Citizen produced the event, aiming to highlight a philanthropic fund supporting children’s education access. The halftime performance immediately became a trending topic on social media platforms.

Children’s Choir Participation
The choir from Staten Island’s P.S. 22 has performed at several prestigious events. Their participation at the World Cup final adds to their long list of performances. They wore their PS22 jerseys, considered lifelong keepsakes.

Visual Aspects
Limited staging and props were used, relying on camera angles for seamless artist transitions. The word “Love” appeared as a backdrop during the choir’s performance. Performers wore creative outfits blending stage attire with sportswear themes.

Artist Spotlight
Madonna and Burna Boy’s performances brought individual flair. Shakira wore a unique outfit, contrasting Bieber’s informal attire. BTS led an energetic dance number with numerous backup dancers, exciting the crowd.

Special Appearances and Collaborative Performances
Brazilian soccer legends escorted Madonna, adding to the spectacle. Gustavo Dudamel conducted with Muppet characters involved in the musical numbers. Dudamel also led a tribute to Venezuelan earthquake victims.

Dudamel’s Career Highlight
A prominent conductor, Dudamel previously performed at events like Coachella in 2025 and the Super Bowl in 2016 with Coldplay. He recently bid farewell to Los Angeles Philharmonic after 17 years and will soon take on a new role with the New York Philharmonic.