FIFA introduced its first official World Cup halftime show during the 2026 final, bringing together Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy and Coldplay for a performance watched by a global audience. The event also supported the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and generated mixed reactions from viewers following the broadcast.
Key Takeaways
- FIFA debuted its first official World Cup halftime show during the 2026 final.
- Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy and Coldplay participated in the performance.
- Coldplay frontman Chris Martin curated the halftime lineup.
- The event supported the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
- Viewers shared a wide range of reactions across social media after the performance.
The FIFA World Cup Halftime Show made its debut during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, introducing a new entertainment feature to the tournament with performances from internationally recognized music artists. Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy and Coldplay appeared during the halftime production, which took place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The performance also served as a fundraising platform for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, making it one of the most prominent entertainment segments in World Cup history.
FIFA World Cup Halftime Show Debuts During 2026 Final
FIFA staged the inaugural halftime show during the championship match between Argentina and Spain. The performance marked the first time the governing body incorporated a large-scale music production into the interval of a men’s FIFA World Cup final.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin curated the lineup, bringing together artists representing different musical genres and regions. The show followed the release of the official FIFA World Cup 2026 album featuring global stars, extending the tournament’s music-focused celebrations.
The halftime event was presented as part of FIFA’s partnership with Global Citizen, with the performance supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The initiative seeks to expand access to education and football opportunities for children worldwide.
The fund had already raised more than $50 million before the final, with FIFA confirming that one dollar from every ticket sold during the 2026 tournament would be directed toward the initiative.
The introduction of a halftime show represented a notable addition to the World Cup final schedule, placing greater emphasis on entertainment alongside the championship match.
Star-Studded Performance Features International Music Artists
Madonna Opens the Performance
Madonna opened the halftime show with a performance of her 2000 hit “Music.” She appeared alongside dancers before transitioning into the next segment of the production.
The performance was followed by an appearance from Animal of The Muppets, who performed drums during a rendition of “Seven Nation Army.” The segment also included appearances from other Muppet characters as part of the production.
BTS and Justin Bieber Take the Stage
BTS followed with a performance of “Dynamite,” featuring synchronized choreography and the group’s signature stage production. The appearance came as the group continued attracting attention following BTS’ “Arirang” Billboard success in the United States.
Actor Jason Sudeikis briefly appeared during the halftime show in character as Ted Lasso before introducing Justin Bieber.
Bieber then performed an acoustic version of “Everything Hallelujah” while playing guitar, providing a slower musical segment before the show shifted to its closing performances.
Shakira, Burna Boy and Coldplay Close the Show
Shakira later appeared with Burna Boy to perform “Dai Dai,” accompanied by dancers and large-scale choreography across the field.
Coldplay closed the halftime production alongside conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus, a choir made up of fourth- and fifth-grade students from New York. The band’s appearance followed renewed public attention surrounding the Coldplay kiss cam viral backlash in the days leading up to the World Cup final.
The finale featured performers wearing colorful jerseys as a large globe display and the word “Love” appeared across the field, concluding the inaugural halftime presentation.
Entertainment Lineup Supports Global Education Initiative
The halftime show served as part of FIFA’s partnership with Global Citizen to raise support for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
According to FIFA, the initiative aims to raise $100 million to improve access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.
The organization previously announced that one dollar from every ticket sold during the FIFA World Cup 2026 would be contributed to the fund.
Chris Martin announced the halftime lineup in May through a promotional video featuring Sesame Street characters Elmo and Cookie Monster together with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Animal from The Muppets.
The announcement also featured BTS members Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook joining the presentation through a video call sequence confirming their participation.
The halftime performance combined entertainment with the campaign’s fundraising efforts, making the education initiative a central component of the production.
Celebrity Attendance Marks World Cup Final Celebration
The World Cup final attracted numerous celebrities in addition to the halftime performers.
Among those attending the match were Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner.
The final concluded the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Argentina facing Spain for the title.
The combination of the championship match, celebrity attendance and the debut of the halftime show made the final one of the tournament’s most widely discussed events.
FIFA’s introduction of halftime entertainment added a new element to the World Cup final schedule while maintaining the event’s connection to its charitable partnership through the Global Citizen Education Fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the FIFA World Cup Halftime Show?
The FIFA World Cup Halftime Show was the first official halftime entertainment performance presented during a FIFA World Cup final. It debuted during the 2026 championship match.
Who performed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show?
The performers included Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy and Coldplay. The closing performance also featured conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus.
Why did FIFA introduce a halftime show for the World Cup final?
FIFA introduced the halftime show as part of the 2026 World Cup final entertainment schedule while supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
What was the purpose of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund?
The initiative seeks to raise funding to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.
How did viewers react to the 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show?
The halftime show received mixed reactions. Viewers shared a range of opinions on social media regarding the lineup, pacing and overall presentation, while others praised individual performances.
