The FIFA World Cup 2026 final featured a spectacular halftime show headlined by a constellation of global music icons: Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS, and Shakira. The performance, curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, marked the first-ever halftime show in the tournament's history.
Madonna kicked off the festivities, delivering her 2000 hit "Music" alongside roller-skating dancers. Her segment transitioned into a drum performance by the Muppets' Animal, who played a rendition of The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army."
BTS continued the high-energy momentum with a rendition of their song "Dynamite." The performance then saw a surprise appearance by actor Jason Sudeikis, reprising his role as Ted Lasso, to introduce Justin Bieber. Bieber performed an acoustic version of his hit "Everything Hallelujah" accompanied by guitar, showcasing his vocal talent.
Shakira then took the stage with Burna Boy to perform "Dai Dai," re-energizing the crowd with her signature dance moves. The show concluded with a collaborative performance by Coldplay, the PS22 Chorus—a group of fourth and fifth graders from New York—and Gustavo Dudamel. The children, dressed in colorful jerseys, danced as the word "Love" was spelled out on the field with a globe.
The halftime show served as a platform for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise $100 million to enhance access to quality education and football for children worldwide. The fund has already garnered over $50 million, with a portion of each ticket sold for the tournament matches contributing to the cause.
Chris Martin had announced the halftime performance in May through a video featuring "Sesame Street" characters and Muppets, extending an invitation to BTS via FaceTime. Martin emphasized the show's theme of "togetherness" and celebrating human diversity.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final match was contested between Argentina and Spain. The event attracted significant attention, with tickets described as highly sought-after. Sports event marketer David Spencer noted that major sports tournaments like the World Cup now rival other large entertainment gatherings in scale, attracting artists, brands, and celebrities.