The first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show took place during the final match between Spain and Argentina, featuring a collaborative performance from Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Shakira.
The stadium pitch was covered by a large colourful fabric displaying a child-like drawing of the Earth and the word «LOVE» inside a central circle. The production opened with Madonna emerging from a stadium gate to perform while flanked by individuals dressed as former football players Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Dancers carrying colourful flags flooded the pitch as she sang lyrics for her songs «I Feel So Free.»
MADONNA officially opened the FIFA halftime show. pic.twitter.com/NnRfMOtxEX
— Fearcyz (@FearcyzD) July 19, 2026
South Korean musical group BTS followed with a shortened rendition of their single «Dynamite.» The band members and their backing dancers performed the choreography wearing outfits that featured prominent red elements.
#BTS แสดงเพลง "Dynamite" บนเวที Halftime Show ของนัดชิงชนะเลิศ FIFA World Cup ⚽️#BTSXWorldCup2026#BTSHALFTIMESHOW#BTSxWORLDCUP2026 #FIFA pic.twitter.com/IP30s7lCDT
— 석진🐈⬛ (@sawok_2minn) July 19, 2026
Justin Bieber subsequently appeared on stage without background dancers. He played an acoustic guitar and delivered a brief solo performance lasting approximately one minute while singing lyrics referencing «hallelujah.»
A special stage for football’s biggest night. Justin Bieber performs «EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH» at the FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show.#JustinBieber #FIFAWorldCup #HalftimeShow pic.twitter.com/eraTJZrDIz
— Levore Magazine (@Levoremag) July 19, 2026
Colombian singer Shakira then took the stage alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy to perform «Dai Dai», her signature track for the 2026 tournament. A large ensemble of dancers joined the pair for the upbeat segment.
SHAKIRA performing at the FIFA #WorldCup Final Halftime Show pic.twitter.com/VLEkuT7LIV
— ْ (@pourlesjolies) July 19, 2026
Orchestral finale and extended interval
The show transitioned into an orchestral piece conducted by Gustavo Dudamel. The conductor directed a youth choir performing alongside The Electric Mayhem, the fictional musical group from The Muppets franchise.
A wholesome ending to the 2026 FIFA #WorldCup halftime show.
— Variety (@Variety) July 19, 2026
(via FOX) pic.twitter.com/ZYaB4ZKXBl
The segment concluded with every artist from the earlier acts gathering in the centre of the stadium for a final collaborative dance routine. This group sequence served as the longest individual portion of the spectacle.
Individual musical sets were heavily condensed to fit within the strict time constraints of the sporting event. FIFA extended the standard 15-minute halftime break to a maximum of 20 minutes to accommodate the live performances and the complex stage construction required on the pitch. The international sporting body strictly limited the total duration to avoid significantly delaying the second half of the championship game.
