BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and More Light Up Controversial First-Ever World Cup Halftime Show

The FIFA World Cup final embraced a Super Bowl-style spectacle for the first time in tournament history, bringing Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Shakira to the stage during an elaborate halftime show before Spain eventually defeated Argentina 1-0 to lift the trophy. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin in partnership with Global Citizen, the performance transformed the New York New Jersey Stadium into a concert venue for roughly 27 minutes, a dramatic departure from football’s traditional 15-minute halftime.

Madonna opened the show with her 2000 hit “Music,” joined by football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. BTS followed with “Dynamite,” while Justin Bieber performed “Everything Hallelujah,” adapting the lyrics for the World Cup audience. Shakira then took the stage alongside Burna Boy for “Dai Dai,” one of the tournament’s official songs, before Chris Martin returned for the finale, “We Believe,” accompanied by a children’s choir and the night’s performers. The Muppets also made a surprise appearance with a rendition of “Seven Nation Army,” led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel.

The ambitious production generated plenty of conversation beyond the music. Many viewers praised FIFA for introducing a global entertainment showcase to its biggest event, while others questioned whether the extended halftime disrupted the rhythm of the match. Critics argued that football’s traditional interval exists to allow tactical adjustments and player recovery, with some describing the concept as an unnecessary “Americanization” of the sport. The debate had surfaced months before the tournament and returned immediately after the final whistle as fans and pundits weighed whether the spectacle belonged on football’s grandest stage.

The entertainment ultimately gave way to football’s biggest prize. After the performances ended and play resumed, Spain found its breakthrough in extra time through Ferran Torres, defeating defending champion Argentina to claim the nation’s second FIFA World Cup title and its first since 2010.