For the first time in history, a FIFA World Cup final featured a halftime show. Madonna, BTS, Shakira, and Justin Bieber were the headliners. Former Brazilian soccer stars Ronaldo and Ronaldinho surprised everyone by joining Madonna during her performance.
Actor Jason Sudeikis introduced Bieber in his role as “Ted Lasso.”
The Muppets charmed the audience by appearing alongside Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who led the New York Philharmonic and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela.
The closing of the 2026 World Cup began with music by IShowspeed and their song “Champions.” The YouTuber was accompanied by dozens of dancers on a stage shaped like a soccer ball and a playing field covered with a large tarp decorated with iconic images of New York City, such as the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.
Later, Post Malone appeared in the middle of the field at New York-New Jersey Stadium to perform “Chrome Heartbreakers,” wearing a striking hat and a t-shirt that read, “I just hope both teams have fun.”
Next, Swae Lee joined in to sing “Sunflower,” a song remembered for being part of the soundtrack of the film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” The singer wore a t-shirt that read, “I hope both teams have fun.”
Shakira, along with Burna Boy, sang “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 World Cup. Her performance was accompanied by Ghetto Kids, a group of young dancers from Uganda.
Later, the PS22 Choir from PS 22 Elementary School in Staten Island, New York, joined Coldplay’s Chris Martin, along with Muppets characters such as Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy, to sing “Hold Each Other”.
