For the very first time in its history, the FIFA World Cup featured a halftime show worthy of the world’s greatest sporting events. With spectacular musical performances, breathtaking visual effects, and world-renowned guests, New York-New Jersey Stadium was transformed into a massive open-air stage. Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, and many other artists made their mark on this historic evening—hosted by Coldplay’s Chris Martin—in front of millions of television viewers.
Here’s a look back at those 11 minutes that redefined soccer entertainment and added a new dimension to an already memorable final between Spain and Argentina.
Shakira (featuring Burna Boy and the Triplets Ghetto Kids)
No stranger to the biggest international stages, Shakira once again set the world ablaze during the halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final. Wearing a dazzling Roberto Cavalli creation adorned with thousands of crystals, the Colombian star delivered an energetic performance alongside Burna Boy and the Triplets Ghetto Kids. Together, they performed “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official song, in a colorful production blending dance, global rhythms, and spectacular visual effects.
At 49, Shakira proved that she remains a key figure at major sporting events. Her presence, charisma, and famous dance moves quickly transformed the field into a massive international celebration.
Chris Martin (Coldplay)
Chris Martin and Coldplay were the true driving forces behind the halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final. Rather than hogging the spotlight, the British band used its immense fame to support a production designed to bring together artists from all walks of life. Chris Martin helped design the show, ensuring it would be an experience where music, soccer, and the world’s cultures come together.
As the grand finale, Coldplay took the stage to perform “We Dance,” a song created specifically for the event. True to their style, the band delivered a dazzling performance, filled with emotion and positive messages, concluding this historic premiere with an energy that brought everyone together.
Ronaldinho, Madonna, and Ronaldo
Three legends from two different worlds came together to make history at the 2026 World Cup final. Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, two of Brazilian soccer’s greatest icons, shared the stage with Madonna, the true queen of pop, in one of the most memorable moments of the halftime show. Their appearance symbolized the union of sports and music in front of millions of viewers around the world.
Smiles, camaraderie, and spectacular staging made this segment a tribute to the global influence of these three personalities. Their mere presence was enough to electrify the stadium and remind everyone why they remain, each in their own field, indispensable figures of popular culture.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber delivered one of the most anticipated moments of the halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final. In front of tens of thousands of spectators and a global audience, the Canadian star made a remarkable return to a stage of this magnitude. True to his style, he delivered a performance that blended emotion, energy, and a connection with the audience, confirming that he remains one of the most popular artists of his generation.
His presence added a Canadian touch to this global celebration, while highlighting his influence in the music industry over the past fifteen years. His appearance quickly sparked a buzz on social media, where users celebrated this highlight of the evening.
BTS
RM, Jin, SUGA, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook delivered one of the most electrifying moments of the first-ever World Cup halftime show. Reunited on the world stage following their solo projects and their return as a group, the seven members of BTS set the New York-New Jersey Stadium ablaze with an explosive performance of “Dynamite.” Their perfectly synchronized choreography, infectious energy, and stage presence quickly had the approximately 80,000 spectators on their feet.
Dressed in soccer-inspired outfits, they once again demonstrated why they are among the most influential artists on the planet. Their performance was hailed as one of the highlights of this historic final.
The Muppets
The Muppets added a healthy dose of nostalgia and whimsy to the very first World Cup halftime show. Led by the exuberant Animal, they rocked the stadium with a high-energy performance of “Seven Nation Army,” accompanied by conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
Later, Elmo and Cookie Monster joined Kermit, Miss Piggy, and other iconic characters for the grand finale alongside Chris Martin and the PS22 choir. Their presence bridged the gap between generations, creating a moment that was both playful and unifying—one that brought smiles to the faces of children and adults alike. It was a touch of magic that perfectly capped off this historic evening.
Jason Sudeikis
Jason Sudeikis surprised the audience by appearing as Ted Lasso, the character who has won over millions of soccer fans thanks to the popular TV series. Joined by Brendan Hunt, aka Coach Beard, he performed a short comedy skit before Justin Bieber took the stage.
True to the character’s optimistic spirit, Ted Lasso encouraged the Canadian singer with a few inspiring words, while Coach Beard held up a “Beliebe” sign—a nod to the famous “Believe” sign from the series. This unexpected appearance was warmly received by the audience and added a touch of humor and nostalgia to this historic 2026 World Cup Final show.