The 2026 World Cup final not only crowned a new champion but also marked a moment that could prove to be a turning point in the tournament’s history. For the first time, FIFA incorporated a halftime show into the 2026 World Cup, inspired by the traditional Super Bowl halftime show, bringing together some of the biggest names in international music for an event that transformed the halftime break of the match between Spain and Argentina into a global spectacle.
During just under 15 minutes of performances, thousands of fans at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford and millions of viewers around the world enjoyed a show that combined music, visual effects, orchestras, and social messages, extending the usual halftime break to a total of 27 minutes.
Shakira headlined a star-studded show
⚽️🏟️ Watch Shakira perform “Dai Dai” (feat. Burna Boy) during the FIFA World Cup halftime show in New Jersey! pic.twitter.com/Xb96b2twHk
— ShakiraMedia (@ShakiraMedia) July 19, 2026
One of the most anticipated moments came when Shakira took the stage alongside Nigerian singer Burna Boy to perform “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 World Cup.
The presentation was accompanied by the winners of the Dai Dai Challenge contest and the Ugandan dance group Ghetto Kids, known internationally for their viral dance routines, who got the entire stadium dancing.
The show continued with the appearance of Madonna, who made her entrance accompanied by two Brazilian soccer legends: Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazário.
Shortly afterward, it was the turn of the South Korean sensation BTS, followed by Justin Bieber, who performed an acoustic version of “Everything Hallelujah” accompanied only by his guitar.
Music, soccer, and a social message
Beyond the artistic performance, FIFA used the occasion to promote the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at funding educational projects and expanding access to sports for children in different parts of the world.
The production was handled by Global Citizen, in collaboration with Live Nation and Done + Dusted, while the artistic direction was overseen by Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay.
One of the most moving moments was the performance by Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who led a special performance accompanied by the New York Philharmonic and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, blending classical music with contemporary performance.
A Final Full of Celebrities
The first-ever @FIFAWorldCup™Topps Final Halftime Show! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/Yypr6oX5Nh
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 19, 2026
The stands also drew a large number of entertainment figures.
Notable attendees included Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Timothée Chalamet, and Matt Damon, who watched the final from the stadium’s VIP boxes.
The show also featured characters from Sesame Street and the renowned PS22 youth choir, while fireworks and visual effects accompanied each of the performances.
The party began even before the opening whistle. The closing ceremony featured performances by Post Malone, Robbie Williams, and Laura Pausini, as well as special appearances by actor Tom Cruise and content creator IShowSpeed.
As part of the pre-game ceremony, soccer legends Mario Kempes and Andrés Iniesta presented the World Cup trophy, while Jennifer Hudson performed a special rendition of the U.S. national anthem.
With this innovative show, FIFA took a step toward a format more akin to major American sporting events, committing to combining soccer, entertainment, and social causes on the world’s biggest sports stage.
Filed under: 2026 World Cup Halftime Show