EFootball and music shared the global spotlight as FIFA staged its first-ever halftime show during a World Cup final, delivering a spectacular entertainment experience that captivated millions of fans around the world.
The groundbreaking performance took place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, transforming the traditional halftime break into a star-studded celebration of music, culture and unity.
Nigerian Grammy-winning superstar Burna Boy thrilled the audience alongside Colombian singer Shakira with a live performance of Dai Dai, the tournament’s official song.
Their energetic performance, backed by Uganda’s famous Ghetto Kids dancers, became one of the biggest highlights of the night.
Music legends Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Coldplay also headlined the 12-minute show, which was curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in partnership with Global Citizen.
The production featured a blend of live music, orchestral performances and colourful stage effects, making it one of FIFA’s most ambitious entertainment projects.
Madonna opened the show in dramatic fashion, arriving beneath the stadium in a dune buggy driven by Brazilian football icons Ronaldo and Ronaldinho before launching into one of her classic hits.
The performance later transitioned into an orchestral tribute led by acclaimed conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
The event also honoured the late Brazilian football legend Pelé, whose legacy was celebrated through emotional archival footage displayed on the stadium’s giant screens.
South Korean music sensation BTS kept fans on their feet with a football-themed version of their global hit Dynamite, while Canadian pop star Justin Bieber performed a special World Cup edition of Everything Hallelujah after being introduced by actors Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt.
The finale united Coldplay, the PS22 Children’s Chorus, Sesame Street characters and The Muppets in a colourful performance promoting hope, inclusion and equal educational opportunities for children worldwide.
Beyond entertainment, the halftime show supported the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative designed to expand access to education and football opportunities for children.
Organisers revealed that more than $60 million had already been raised, with funding expected to benefit about 400,000 children through 58 educational organisations.
The World Cup final also featured a glamorous pre-match closing ceremony, with performances by Jennifer Hudson, Post Malone, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini, while Hollywood actor Tom Cruise delivered a message celebrating football’s power to unite people across cultures.
Although many applauded FIFA’s bold innovation, the extended halftime interval sparked debate among football fans, with some questioning whether the longer break could influence the rhythm of the match and players’ performance in the second half.
