During the World Cup final match between Argentina and Spain, an impressive array of performers took to the field. This marked the first time such a spectacle occurred at a World Cup final.
Madonna kicked off the show by performing her 2000 hit song “Music”. She began underground and made her way to the field with Brazilian soccer icons Ronaldinho and Ronaldo. Following a brief drum interlude from the Muppets, BTS performed “Dynamite” at midfield, delighting fans.
Justin Bieber, introduced by Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso, slowed down the tempo. He sang “Everything Hallelujah” on acoustic guitar, introducing new World-Cup-inspired lyrics. Bieber’s performance featured songs from his 2025 album titled “Swag”.
Shakira, an experienced World Cup performer, took the stage with Burna Boy. They performed “Dai Dai,” the official song of this year’s tournament. The show concluded with a children’s choir from Staten Island’s P.S. 22. They performed the World Cup anthem “We Believe” alongside Chris Martin from Coldplay and the Muppets.
This halftime show aimed to echo the grandeur of the Super Bowl halftime event. Critics expressed concern about the potential disruption it could cause to the game. However, FIFA and Global Citizen reassured that the show would be impactful yet concise.
On Sunday, the performance lasted just under 12 minutes. The total halftime period, including set up and tear down, clocked around 27 minutes. Chris Martin played a pivotal role in selecting artists and shaping the show creatively. Produced by Global Citizen, the event highlighted a philanthropic fund focused on children’s education access.
The highlight of the show saw immediate attention on social media platforms like X. Muppet characters, Ted Lasso, and Justin Bieber became trending topics. The performance aligned well with what FIFA and Global Citizen projected.
The PS22 choir from Staten Island has a rich history. They have performed at significant events like Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral inauguration and the Oscars. Performing at the World Cup is a new addition to their prestigious repertoire.
The halftime show had minimal staging on the field. Camera work played a significant role in transitioning between performances. A prominent overhead view of the stage displayed the word “Love.”
Gustavo Dudamel, accompanied by Muppet characters, performed in memory of Venezuelan earthquake victims. He’ll soon transition as music and artistic director of the New York Philharmonic. Previously, Dudamel collaborated with Coldplay during a Super Bowl halftime show and performed at Coachella.