Star-Studded FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show Draws Mixed Reactions

Star-Studded FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show Draws Mixed Reactions

The Hollywood Reporter said the halftime performance at the FIFA World Cup final in New York’s MetLife Stadium featured Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber and a range of other artists. ESPN earlier reported that Bieber had been added to a lineup already containing Madonna, Shakira and BTS, with proceeds earmarked for FIFA’s education fund. The BBC echoed the same roster, describing the show as the inaugural half-time event for the tournament. WIRED noted that the 11-minute segment would also include Coldplay and orchestral pieces, while Town & Country confirmed the star-studded program for U. S.

viewers. The Hollywood Reporter added that the performance combined music, dance and orchestral arrangements and aimed to raise money for the Global Citizen Education Fund. Rolling Stone reported that Post Malone opened the ceremony and that other entertainers such as Jennifer Hudson appeared. The Independent said the halftime show ran over 27 minutes, drawing criticism for exceeding the sport’s usual 15-minute limit. Liam Gallagher described the production as a “bad trip,” Rolling Stone quoted, reflecting the mixed reaction among performers and fans.

Actors

Justin Bieber FIFA Madonna Shakira BTS Burna Boy Gustavo Dudamel PS22 Chorus Coldplay Sesame Street Kermit the Frog Miss Piggy

Locations

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Articles

July 20, 2026
5 total
Critics Describe FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show as Disjointed
Critics Describe FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show as Disjointed

Stereogum • 20 Jul 13:21

Observers said the halftime entertainment at the World Cup final featured a mix of performances that many found uneven and lacking cohesion.

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Liam Gallagher slams World Cup halftime show as a "bad trip"
Liam Gallagher slams World Cup halftime show as a "bad trip"

The Independent • 20 Jul 11:13

Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher joined other critics in denouncing the World Cup final's lengthy halftime spectacle, calling it chaotic and likening it to a bad trip.

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Liam Gallagher Criticizes FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show
Liam Gallagher Criticizes FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show

Rolling Stone • 20 Jul 08:07

Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher called the World Cup final halftime performance a “bad trip,” expressing disappointment with the varied acts presented during the show.

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FIFA World Cup final halftime show draws mixed reactions over length and content
FIFA World Cup final halftime show draws mixed reactions over length and content

The Independent • 20 Jul 05:48

The inaugural halftime performance at the World Cup final, featuring Madonna, BTS, Shakira and others, lasted over 27 minutes, prompting criticism for exceeding the sport’s 15-minute limit and sparking debate among fans and former players.

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FIFA World Cup Final Features First Halftime Show with Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Shakira
FIFA World Cup Final Features First Halftime Show with Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Shakira

The Hollywood Reporter • 20 Jul 01:33

An 11-minute halftime performance at MetLife Stadium combined music, orchestral pieces and dance, featuring Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira and other artists, while organizers aimed to raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

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July 19, 2026
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Inaugural World Cup Halftime Show Features Global Pop Acts at 2026 Final
Inaugural World Cup Halftime Show Features Global Pop Acts at 2026 Final

Pitchfork • 19 Jul 21:48

The first official FIFA World Cup halftime show took place at MetLife Stadium, showcasing performances by Madonna, the Muppets, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Burna Boy and Coldplay's Chris Martin during the 2026 final between Spain and Argentina.

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Madonna and Justin Bieber's differing visions create backstage tension for World Cup halftime show
Madonna and Justin Bieber's differing visions create backstage tension for World Cup halftime show

The Blast • 19 Jul 21:23

Madonna and Justin Bieber reportedly clashed over the style of the inaugural 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime performance, with organizer Chris Martin balancing their contrasting approaches.

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World Cup final halftime show squeezes Madonna, BTS, Bieber and Shakira into brief performances
World Cup final halftime show squeezes Madonna, BTS, Bieber and Shakira into brief performances

Variety • 19 Jul 20:40

The FIFA World Cup final halftime show lasted just over the scheduled 11 minutes, giving each of the featured artists roughly two minutes of screen time.

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Post Malone headlines opening ceremony of 2026 FIFA World Cup final
Post Malone headlines opening ceremony of 2026 FIFA World Cup final

Rolling Stone • 19 Jul 18:35

Post Malone performed a set that opened the 2026 World Cup final ceremony in New York-New Jersey, while other entertainers such as Jennifer Hudson and Tom Cruise also appeared.

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FIFA Announces Star-Studded Halftime Show for 2026 World Cup Final
FIFA Announces Star-Studded Halftime Show for 2026 World Cup Final

Town & Country Magazine • 19 Jul 18:03

The 2026 World Cup final will feature a halftime performance by Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS and other artists, with broadcast details for U.S. viewers provided by Fox Sports and Peacock.

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FIFA adds 11-minute global halftime show to World Cup final
FIFA adds 11-minute global halftime show to World Cup final

WIRED • 19 Jul 09:00

An 11-minute halftime performance featuring Coldplay, Shakira, Justin Bieber, Madonna and BTS will debut at the World Cup final, aiming to raise funds for Global Citizen's youth education program.

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July 08, 2026
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Justin Bieber to Perform at 2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Half-Time Show in New York
Justin Bieber to Perform at 2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Half-Time Show in New York

BBC • 08 Jul 20:58

Pop singer Justin Bieber will join Madonna, Shakira and BTS for the inaugural FIFA World Cup half-time show on July 19, with proceeds supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

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Justin Bieber added to FIFA World Cup final halftime lineup
Justin Bieber added to FIFA World Cup final halftime lineup

ESPN • 08 Jul 19:13

Justin Bieber will join Madonna, Shakira, BTS and other acts for an 11-minute halftime show at the World Cup final on July 19, with proceeds supporting FIFA's education fund.

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