The first-ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final took place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, featuring a diverse lineup of global music stars. The performance included Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Shakira, according to multiple news reports.
Madonna opened the show with her 2000 hit 'Music,' accompanied by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. The set also included a collaboration between Justin Bieber and BTS, as well as a performance by Shakira. The show was part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Brazil.
Reactions on social media were divided, with some fans criticizing the lineup as disconnected from football culture. One user posted, 'Look how they massacred my beautiful game,' echoing a sentiment shared by others who felt the show was too commercial. However, some praised the diversity of the performances.
FIFA confirmed the show was produced in partnership with Global Citizen and aimed to promote unity through music. The exact setlist and duration were not immediately available, but reports indicate the show lasted approximately 20 minutes.
