First FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show Features Madonna, BTS, Shakira, Justin Bieber
12 verified7 unconfirmed
The first-ever FIFA World Cup Final halftime show took place on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, featuring an 11-minute mega-mix of performances. Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Shakira headlined the show, with additional appearances by Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and the Muppets. Madonna appeared in a pre-recorded segment riding with soccer legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho before a live appearance. BTS performed a football-themed version of their 2020 hit "Dynamite" with modified lyrics. Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt reprised their Ted Lasso roles to introduce Justin Bieber, who performed a solo acoustic rendition of "Everything Hallelujah." Shakira and Burna Boy performed the official FIFA anthem "Dai Dai." The halftime show was produced by Global Citizen and curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, with $1 from each World Cup ticket donated to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Post Malone headlined the pre-show, and Jennifer Hudson sang the U.S. national anthem alongside performances by Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and Laura Pausini.
What’s verified
The FIFA World Cup Final on July 19 featured the first-ever halftime show at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) between Spain and Argentina.
The 11-minute halftime show included performances by Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and the Muppets.
Madonna appeared in a pre-recorded segment riding in a vehicle with Brazilian soccer players Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
BTS performed a football-themed version of their 2020 hit "Dynamite" with modified lyrics.
Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt appeared as Ted Lasso and Coach Beard to introduce Justin Bieber.
Shakira and Burna Boy performed the official FIFA World Cup song "Dai Dai."
The halftime show was produced by Global Citizen and curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, with a goal of raising $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
Post Malone performed during the pre-show, and Jennifer Hudson sang the U.S. national anthem.
Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and Laura Pausini performed the FIFA anthem "Desire."
iShowSpeed also performed during the pre-show.
The Muppets participated in a rendition of "Seven Nation Army" alongside Dudamel.
The PS22 Chorus from Staten Island took part in the finale.
Not yet confirmed
Whether President Trump attended the game, as reported by a single source.
Whether Tom Cruise gave a speech on the pitch, as reported by a single source.
The exact release date of BTS's album "Arirang," which one source stated was March 2026.
Whether Justin Bieber's performance was his first public performance since Coachella in April, as reported by a single source.
Specific details about Post Malone's setlist, including the song "Crome Heartbreaker," "Wow," and "Sunflower" with Swae Lee, from a single source.
The presence of the Ghetto Kids from Uganda, Bijan Mortazavi, and Emmanuel Kelly's debut of "We Dance," each from a single source.
The exact timing of the halftime show start (4:01 pm ET) and the identity of executive producer Guy Carrington, from a single source.
Key figures
Madonna, BTS (RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, Jung Kook), Justin Bieber, Shakira, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt, Chris Martin, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Post Malone, Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini, iShowSpeed, The Muppets, PS22 Chorus
Sources: Variety, BBC News, The Hollywood Reporter
