As part of the final match of the FIFA World Cup (2026 World Cup), the first music show in the history of the World Cup took place during the break. The 11-minute program was opened by Madonna, continued by BTS and Justin Bieber, and ended by Shakira singing the tournament anthem.
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, the International Football Federation (FIFA) announced that the final will feature a half-time show for the first time. It was similar to the performances of the Super Bowl, the final game of the American football league (NFL), and combined both live performances and pre-recorded elements.
Madonna opened the program by appearing from a disco ball in the stands at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The American pop star, who released her 15th studio album Confessions II in July, chose to sing the 2000 hit Music, including only elements of the latest single Danceteria.
Madonna got to the field with number 10 on her back on an all-terrain vehicle, in which she was accompanied by the legends of Brazilian football Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. At the end of the song, the trio emerged from the tunnel and joined hands. The Hollywood Reporter (THR) notes that, with the exception of this final sequence, Madonna's performance was filmed in advance.
After the performance of the song Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes by the orchestra of Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the characters of The Muppet Show, the South Korean K-pop group BTS took up the baton. The idols also chose their biggest hit Dynamite over tracks from Arirang's latest album. It was accompanied by proprietary choreography and the text partially changed for the World Cup final – “a game of ping-pong” turned into a “game of football.”
BTS performs “Dynamite” at the FIFA #WorldCup Final Halftime Show
(via FOX) pic.twitter.com/wYmvwYwKX9
— Variety (@Variety) July 19, 2026
After a little comedy performed by the actors of the TV series “Ted Lasso,” Canadian Justin Bieber appeared at the stadium with a guitar. Unlike his colleagues, he sang a more recent composition from 2025, Everything Hallelujah, however, as HITC notes, not everyone on social networks appreciated this decision. Some users suggested that Bieber “killed the spirit” of the holiday with his “86th most famous song.”
Shakira closed the show during the break of the 2026 World Cup final with the song Dai Dai, which became the anthem of this World Cup. She was joined by rapper Burna Boy and a dance troupe featuring children.
