In a historic event at the World Cup final, a star-studded lineup took the spotlight during the halftime show of the match between Argentina and Spain. This marks the first time such a spectacle has taken place, aiming to emulate the cultural impact of the Super Bowl halftime show.

Leading the performance, Madonna delivered her hit “Music” from her 2000 album, with the company of Brazilian soccer legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo. The acclaimed K-Pop group BTS thrilled fans by performing their 2020 hit “Dynamite.” Justin Bieber followed, bringing a unique twist to his song “Everything Hallelujah” by changing the lyrics to “World Cup Hallelujah.” The talented Shakira, a veteran performer at the World Cup, collaborated with Burna Boy on “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official anthem.

Chris Martin of Coldplay managed the selection and creative direction for the event. Produced by Global Citizen, the halftime show aimed to highlight a philanthropic initiative focused on access to education for children. A children’s choir from Staten Island’s P.S. 22 concluded the show with “We Believe,” joined by Martin, Shakira, and the Muppets, a unique element that led to the Muppets trending on social media immediately after the show.

The halftime intermission, which stretched to about 27 minutes, exceeded the 15-minute maximum typical for soccer matches. However, it complied with FIFA’s projection, clocking in the performances at approximately 11 minutes. Despite the length, it proceeded smoothly without significant disruption to the game.

FIFA’s decision to host such a performance faced criticism from audiences concerned about preserving the traditional halftime format. Yet, the event emerged as a novel fusion of sports and entertainment, drawing significant attention and engagement.

Burna Boy, celebrated for his African sound, previously headlined sporting events, including the NBA All-Star Game and Champions League final. Gustavo Dudamel, in collaboration with Venezuelan and American orchestras, delivered a tribute to victims of a devastating earthquake in Venezuela, highlighting the intersection of art and humanitarian concerns.

The halftime show showcased not only musical diversity but also thematic innovation, blending performance with cultural and philanthropic messages, leaving a memorable impact on viewers worldwide.