The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final delivered more than just football history. While Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to claim their second FIFA World Cup title, the tournament also introduced its first-ever halftime show, featuring an 11-minute musical spectacle with some of the biggest names in global entertainment.
Held at the New York New Jersey Stadium, the star-studded performance brought together artists from pop, Latin music, K-pop, Afrobeats and orchestral music, making the World Cup final a celebration of football and global culture.
Madonna Opens Historic FIFA World Cup Halftime Show
Music icon Madonna kicked off the inaugural halftime show with a refreshed version of her 2000 hit Music. She made a dramatic entrance in a pre-recorded segment, riding through the stadium alongside Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho before appearing live on the pitch.
Her opening performance set the tone for one of the most ambitious entertainment productions ever staged during a FIFA World Cup final.
BTS Makes FIFA World Cup History
Global K-pop sensation BTS followed with a high-energy performance of their worldwide hit Dynamite, becoming the first K-pop group to perform during a FIFA World Cup final halftime show.
The performance also marked another milestone for Jungkook, who had previously performed Dreamers at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. His return to football’s biggest stage further strengthened BTS’ growing legacy at global sporting events.
Justin Bieber, Shakira and Burna Boy Light Up the Stadium
Canadian pop star Justin Bieber slowed the pace with an acoustic rendition of Everything Hallelujah, before handing over to Shakira and Burna Boy for a performance of Dai Dai, the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The collaboration blended Latin pop and Afrobeats, celebrating the tournament’s international appeal.
For Shakira, the performance added another chapter to her long association with FIFA after unforgettable World Cup anthems like Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) in 2010 and La La La (Brazil 2014).
Viral Moments Capture Fans’ Attention
Several behind-the-scenes moments quickly became social media highlights.
Fans widely shared videos of Jungkook and Justin Bieber performing together, while a backstage clip showing Justin Bieber greeting BTS member V (Kim Taehyung) also attracted significant attention online.
These interactions became some of the most discussed moments beyond the football action.
Coldplay Closes the Historic Show
The grand finale featured conductor Gustavo Dudamel, musicians from the New York Philharmonic, and a special orchestral version of Seven Nation Army, one of football’s most recognisable stadium anthems.
Coldplay, joined by the PS22 Chorus, concluded the show with an uplifting performance of We Dance, accompanied by fireworks and a colourful stadium display that officially closed FIFA’s first-ever halftime entertainment.
Celebrity Guests Attend FIFA World Cup Final
The World Cup final attracted a long list of international celebrities, sports personalities and political leaders.
Among those present were US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Serena Williams, Mohanlal, Dua Lipa, Tom Brady, Will Ferrell, Matt Damon, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, Post Malone, Trevor Noah, Kevin Hart, Adrien Brody, Anya Taylor-Joy, Pharrell Williams, Mick Jagger, Victor Wembanyama and several other prominent personalities.
Spain Clinches Second FIFA World Cup Title
Following the halftime spectacle, Spain completed a memorable night by defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time.
Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, securing Spain’s second FIFA World Cup crown and ending Argentina’s title defence in front of a packed stadium.
