The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina was not only historic for the action on the pitch. It also featured the first full-scale halftime entertainment show in the tournament’s history, transforming the traditional interval into an 11-minute global music spectacle at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The show brought together some of the world’s biggest artists and marked FIFA’s clearest attempt yet to present the final as a broader entertainment event similar to the Super Bowl.
Madonna opened the halftime programme with her hit song “Music,” entering the stadium in a dune buggy driven by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. The appearance combined pop culture and football history, immediately setting the tone for a fast-moving performance designed for a worldwide television audience. The final also continued the wider trend of celebrities at the FIFA World Cup 2026, where music, film and sports culture became increasingly connected throughout the tournament.
BTS then performed “Dynamite,” bringing a high-energy section to the show, while Justin Bieber appeared with a special version of “Everything Hallelujah.” Shakira later joined Nigerian star Burna Boy to perform “Dai Dai,” the official song connected to the tournament. The finale featured Coldplay singer Chris Martin, Shakira, the Muppets and a children’s choir in a large ensemble performance, with visual messages projected across the pitch.
The halftime show had been curated by Chris Martin and organised in partnership with Global Citizen. FIFA had previously confirmed Madonna, Shakira and BTS as the leading performers, while the final programme expanded to include several additional artists and special guests.
The entertainment was not limited to halftime. Before kick-off, supporters also watched a closing ceremony featuring performers including Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini and Post Malone. Hudson performed the United States national anthem, while dancers and live musicians filled the stadium during a large-scale pre-match production.
However, the show also generated controversy because the halftime interval lasted longer than the traditional 15-minute break. Broadcasting sources said around seven minutes were required to install the stage, with additional time needed to remove the equipment before the second half could begin. The complete interval therefore extended beyond the normal football schedule, raising concerns about player preparation, body temperature and disruption to the rhythm of the final.
Some football traditionalists argued that the spectacle made the final feel too commercial and shifted attention away from the match. Others viewed it as a successful way to attract new audiences and turn the World Cup final into a larger global cultural event.
Regardless of the debate, the first World Cup final halftime show represented a major change in FIFA’s presentation of its biggest match. Its commercial success and worldwide visibility could determine whether similar performances become a permanent feature of future World Cup finals.