The first World Cup halftime show aimed to deliver a simple message of love and unity. On July 19, 2026, a star-studded lineup graced the field, including Madonna, Justin Bieber, all seven members of BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso, Chris Martin, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and even the most musical of the Muppets along with Staten Island’s P.S. 22 children’s chorus.
The performance at the World Cup final was impeccably choreographed, though its theme seemed jumbled. The pitch looked as crowded as a Buenos Aires soccer bar at kickoff. Despite efforts to justify the show’s existence, it faced skepticism from traditional soccer fans. Many viewed it as a nod to American entertainment, similar to the advertising breaks rebranded as ‘hydration breaks.’ Fans fretted over the impact of the added 12-and-a-half minutes on players’ routines.
Even followers of the artists were unsure about the collaboration of such a diverse group. The performances appeared episodic, as if existing in different realms. Shakira and Burna Boy performed a sunny rendition of the World Cup theme song, ‘Dai Dai,’ transitioning from a pretaped segment to a live entrance.
Madonna initiated the show with a remix of her 2000 hit ‘Music,’ weaving in elements from her recently celebrated album ‘Confessions II.’ The halftime event, produced by Global Citizen and curated by Chris Martin, radiated ‘good vibes only.’ It emphasized themes of love, unity, and the belief in children as the future, messages that resonated universally.