The 2026 FIFA World Cup final was not only a showcase of football but also a global entertainment spectacle as some of the world’s biggest music stars took centre stage during a record-breaking half-time show.
Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and South Korean supergroup BTS headlined the colourful performance, entertaining thousands of fans inside MetLife Stadium and millions watching around the world before the second half of the final between Spain and Argentina.
The star-studded show lasted 27 minutes and 22 seconds, making it the longest half-time break in FIFA World Cup history. The extended interval sparked debate among football fans, with International Football Association Board (IFAB) regulations traditionally allowing a maximum 15-minute half-time period.
Madonna made one of the evening’s most memorable entrances, appearing from beneath the stadium before performing her iconic hit “Music.” She was joined on stage by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, creating one of the biggest moments of the ceremony.
Colombian superstar Shakira reunited with Nigerian Grammy winner Burna Boy after the pair previously performed together during the tournament’s opening ceremony in Mexico City. Their energetic performance received a warm reception from supporters inside the stadium.
K-pop sensation BTS also returned to the global stage following a three-year hiatus while members completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. Their appearance marked one of the group’s biggest performances since reuniting and drew huge excitement from fans worldwide.
Justin Bieber completed the headline acts, performing as part of a production that featured elaborate stage designs, dancers, lighting displays and live musicians.
The entertainment began even before kick-off, with Academy Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson delivering a powerful rendition of the United States national anthem alongside a live orchestra.
Hollywood star Tom Cruise also appeared during the ceremony, welcoming fans before the final.
“From every corner of the globe, we have witnessed greatness, and we have shared in moments of joy,” Cruise told the crowd. “Football is a language spoken without words, a force that unites people.”
Earlier performances featured a wide range of international artists, including Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini and Post Malone, while internet personality IShowSpeed joined dancers and drummers during the opening entertainment.
Several celebrities were also spotted in attendance, including Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, adding even more glamour to football’s biggest night.
Despite the spectacular production, the half-time show received mixed reviews. Former England captain Wayne Rooney, working as a BBC pundit during the final, admitted he was unimpressed.
“I like a lot of those artists, but I thought it was crap,” Rooney said after the performances.
Regardless of the criticism, the World Cup final delivered one of the biggest entertainment productions in football history, blending music, celebrity appearances and sport on one of the world’s biggest stages.
The show reflected FIFA’s growing ambition to turn the World Cup final into a global entertainment event comparable to the NFL’s famous Super Bowl halftime show.
