The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was a spectacular event that showcased not only soccer prowess but also musical talent. At halftime, the score remained 0-0, but the real excitement came from FIFA’s first-ever World Cup final halftime show.
Featuring a grand lineup of global artists, the show united performers from all over the world on one stage. Colombian superstar Shakira, Nigerian sensation Burna Boy, and actor Jason Sudeikis joined forces to entertain the audience. Performers from six continents delivered a truly memorable performance.
Star-Studded Performances
The halftime performance included leading names in music:
- From North America, pop icons Justin Bieber and Madonna captivated fans. Madonna had recently released a new album, which quickly topped the Billboard 200 charts.
- Asia was represented by the immensely popular K-pop group BTS, adding a vibrant touch to the show.
- South America showcased Shakira, regarded as the ‘World Cup queen,’ alongside conductor Gustavo Dudamel from the New York Philharmonic and Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela.
- Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy shared the stage with Shakira, delivering this year’s official World Cup song.
- Europe had Coldplay, fronted by Chris Martin, in this post-Brexit era.
- From Australia, Emmanuel Kelly, an Iraq-born singer, added his unique voice.
- The beloved Muppets and the viral dance troupe Ghetto Kids from Uganda added an entertaining twist.
- The PS22 Chorus from Staten Island closed the show singing with Chris Martin, delivering a heartwarming finish.
The exhilarating 11-minute show brought a message of unity, love, and togetherness through music. Madonna kicked things off, emphasizing music’s power to unite. The show featured celebrity appearances and relatable memes from the Cup, including Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known for his living statue performances.
Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt introduced Justin Bieber with a ‘Beliebe’ sign, enhancing the show’s appeal. Dudamel’s musicians contributed a powerful rendition of “Seven Nation Army” with the Muppets, adding a fun layer to the performance.
Charity and Impact
The event also served a greater purpose by highlighting FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund. Aimed at raising $100 million to expand educational and soccer opportunities for children worldwide, it encouraged viewers to harness the power of love to combat poverty and environmental challenges.
As the PS22 Chorus performed alongside Chris Martin with vibrant visuals, the message resonated strongly, drawing attention to global unity and positive change. Among the attendees were public figures like Melania Trump and President Trump, whose attendance added a layer of significance to the event’s messaging.
The New York/New Jersey Stadium provided a fitting backdrop for this historic and impactful halftime show that celebrated music, sports, and humanitarian efforts.