The 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded today with Spain defeating Argentina in overtime, but not before the first official World Cup Halftime Show dazzled over 80,000 fans at MetLife Stadium. The star-studded lineup included Madonna, BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy, and the Muppets.
Madonna Headlines Star-Studded Lineup
The show began with pop icon Madonna performing her hit “Music” while escorted by Brazilian soccer legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. The Muppets followed with a cover of the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” conducted by Gustavo Dudamel of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela.
BTS and Bieber Take the Stage
After the Muppets, BTS energized the crowd with “Dynamite.” Actors Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, in character as Ted Lasso and Coach Beard, introduced Justin Bieber, who changed the lyrics of “Everything Hallelujah” to “World Cup Hallelujah” for his acoustic performance.
Shakira, Burna Boy, and a Grand Finale
Shakira and Burna Boy performed the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” leading to the finale featuring Chris Martin, Shakira, and the Muppets. A children’s chorus joined them for “We Believe,” with the word “Love” projected onto the field.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
Pre-game, Jennifer Hudson sang the National Anthem, and Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and Laura Pausini performed “Desire” from the World Cup soundtrack. Post Malone debuted “Chrome Heartbreak” and performed “Sunflower” with Swae Lee.
Despite the lineup, not all were impressed. The Cure criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s claim of a “groundbreaking spectacle” on Instagram, using the hashtags #Breadandcircuses and #MUGWANK in their post.
Source: https://pitchfork.com/story/watch-madonna-the-muppets-and-more-perform-at-2026-world-cup-final-halftime/
