The 2026 FIFA World Cup Halftime Show featured a star-studded lineup including Madonna, Justin Bieber, and BTS, but the spectacle on the pitch masked a frantic atmosphere backstage. Performers and crew navigated a crowded and chaotic environment, with dancers, flag bearers, and prop handlers moving on and off stage amidst the pre-show buzz.

"Dancers practiced, cheered and hyped each other up before going to the pitch," a source told Page Six. "It was hectic backstage at one point. Dancers on skates, performers holding flags and other props were running on and off stage. It was difficult to get through and move around at one point."

Despite the backstage disarray, artists maintained their focus. Madonna was observed as "smiling and excited" as she prepared to take the stage. Following her performance, she received a round of cheers from those backstage.

The halftime entertainment commenced with Madonna delivering a pre-recorded rendition of her 2000 hit "Music," joined by Brazilian soccer legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. The Muppets provided a drum interlude to The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" before BTS performed their hit "Dynamite."

Actor Jason Sudeikis, in character as Ted Lasso, introduced Justin Bieber, who performed "Everything Hallelujah." Bieber was described as "serious and focused" as he headed to his performance. Page Six obtained exclusive video footage capturing BTS and Sudeikis navigating the crowded backstage area en route to and from the stage.

Shakira then performed "Dai Dai" with Burna Boy, and Coldplay closed the show with Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus, a choir of fourth and fifth graders. The halftime show itself elicited mixed reactions from viewers online, with some criticizing song choices and the perceived overuse of pre-recorded segments, while others expressed appreciation for the entire production.

Additional performances took place during the Closing Ceremony, featuring artists such as Post Malone, Swae Lee, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson sang the national anthem.

Timothée Chalamet was tasked with delivering the match ball and was later seen in attendance with his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner. The event drew numerous celebrities, including Blake Lively, Adrien Brody, Matt Damon, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Alix Earle, Anna Wintour, David and Victoria Beckham, Jessica Alba, and Danny Ramirez, who watched as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in overtime. IMAGE3

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