The first-ever FIFA World Cup Final halftime show on Sunday featured a star-studded lineup including Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and BTS, against the backdrop of significant fan entry delays and security concerns at MetLife Stadium. The match itself, between Spain and Argentina, was scoreless at halftime.
Madonna, 67, opened the futuristic segment of the show with her 2000 hit "Music," joined by Brazilian World Cup legends Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho. The performance included the soccer icons escorting Madonna around the stadium.
Justin Bieber, 32, followed with a World Cup-themed rendition of his song "Everything Hallelujah," performing with only a guitar. Shakira returned to the World Cup stage, performing "Dai Dai" with Burna Boy, while K-pop group BTS delivered a performance of "Dynamite."
The halftime show was part of a larger closing ceremony that also featured artists such as Post Malone, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and Laura Pausini. Celebrities like Tom Cruise, Matt Damon, and Kylie Jenner were in attendance for the final match.
Game Day Logistics
Fans experienced considerable disruption on game day, with many reporting lengthy waits to enter MetLife Stadium. Organizers had advised attendees to arrive up to four hours before the match, but reports indicated that ticket scanning systems and security procedures contributed to delays lasting several hours. The presence of former President Donald Trump also necessitated airport-style security measures, further complicating entry.
Tensions were observed between fans, media, and security personnel, with some fans expressing frustration over the delays. The cheapest resale tickets for the match were reportedly priced around $7,000, making it one of the most expensive sporting events to attend.
Tournament Context
Billions of fans tuned in for the final, where Lionel Messi and Argentina aimed to secure a second consecutive World Cup title against European champions Spain. This match marked a potential final World Cup appearance for Messi, who is 39.
Former President Trump was expected to present the World Cup trophy to the winning team. The tournament featured 48 participating nations, and the closing ceremony was planned to pay tribute to all of them.