The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July was always going to be historic. But FIFA made sure the football was not the only thing the world was talking about.

For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA staged a dedicated, lightning-fast 11-minute halftime show during the final. Taking a page out of the Super Bowl's playbook, the production delivered a masterclass in music, spectacle, and global unity. Here is your full recap of everything that happened on the pitch.

Beyond the entertainment value, the entire halftime spectacular raised over $60 million in partnership with Global Citizen for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

2026 World Cup Halftime Show Setlist and Performance Recap

Madonna The historic show opened with pure theatrical star power. Madonna arrived on the pitch in a custom dune buggy driven by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, immediately launching into a high-octane medley mixing Music with Disco Inferno and Danceteria. It was bold, nostalgic, and perfectly set the stage for a global audience.

BTS K-pop icons BTS took the stage next to a thunderous stadium roar. Performing to a global audience of billions, the group delivered a flawless, high-energy rendition of their global smash hit Permission to Dance. Though their segment was brief to fit the tight 11-minute runtime, their precise choreography and unmatched stage presence made it one of the most viral moments of the entire night.

Shakira with Burna Boy Shakira returning to the World Cup stage felt like a homecoming. This time she performed Dai Dai, the official anthem of the 2026 tournament, alongside Afrobeats heavyweight Burna Boy and Uganda's famous Ghetto Kids. The performance brought an infectious, global rhythm to the stadium, cementing Shakira's legacy as football's most iconic musical partner.

Justin Bieber In one of the most talked-about twists of the night, Justin Bieber brought a stripped-back, emotional energy to the pitch. Moving away from his traditional high-energy pop hits, Bieber performed an acoustic guitar version of Everything Hallelujah, even featuring a surprise comedic skit with actor Jason Sudeikis. It divided fans online but undeniably captured the world's attention.

The Grand Finale: Coldplay and The Muppets Chris Martin of Coldplay, who served as curator for the entire halftime production, brought the collective star power back onto the field for a massive grand finale. Backed by the PS22 Chorus, a live orchestra conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, and a brilliant fireworks display, the artists performed an original Coldplay composition titled We Dance. Adding a touch of whimsical pop culture, Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, and the Electric Mayhem Band joined the stage to close out the historic broadcast.

The Pre-Match Closing Ceremony

The halftime show was only part of the musical story on the night. The pre-match Closing Ceremony transformed the stadium into a massive music festival before kick-off.

Jennifer Hudson opened the evening with a stirring rendition of the US National Anthem, followed by a special stadium address from Tom Cruise. From there, a star-studded lineup featuring Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and IShowSpeed hyped up the crowd before the players took the field.

The Pre-Match Concert was headlined by Post Malone and Swae Lee, who brought the house down with a live performance of their record-breaking hits.

The stadium was equally packed with star power in the stands, with Beyoncé and Jay-Z, David and Victoria Beckham, Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, and Anya Taylor-Joy all spotted watching the action.

Catch Them Live in Australia

If the historic World Cup final put you in the mood for world-class live music, you are in luck. Some of the night's biggest performers are heading to Australia and tickets are expected to sell out fast.

Post Malone is bringing his BIG ASS World Tour to Australia this October 2026, playing Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, and ENGIE Stadium in Sydney, alongside headlining the Strummingbird Festival. Post Malone Australia tour tickets are available through Ticket Merchant now.

BTS are bringing the Arirang Tour to Australia in February 2027 with shows at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne and Accor Stadium in Sydney. After that Permission to Dance performance, seeing them live in Australia is going to be something else. BTS Australia tour tickets are available through Ticket Merchant.

Robbie Williams is also touring Australia. Following his spectacular appearance at the World Cup festivities, the legendary entertainer is bringing his live show back to Australian soil. Robbie Williams Australia tour tickets are available through Ticket Merchant.

Browse all upcoming tours and secure your seats through Ticket Merchant or join our waitlist today!

Your 2026 World Cup Halftime Show Questions Answered

Who performed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final halftime show? The historic 11-minute halftime show featured performances by Madonna, BTS, Shakira with Burna Boy, and Justin Bieber. The grand finale brought the cast together alongside Chris Martin of Coldplay, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and The Muppets. The show took place at New York New Jersey Stadium on 19 July 2026 during the final between Spain and Argentina.

What songs did Madonna perform at the 2026 World Cup? Madonna opened the halftime show arriving on a dune buggy with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, performing a medley of Music, Disco Inferno, and Danceteria.

What song did BTS perform at the World Cup 2026? BTS performed their global hit Permission to Dance during their halftime segment.

What did Shakira perform at the 2026 World Cup? Shakira performed 'Dai Dai', the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Burna Boy and Uganda's Ghetto Kids.

What did Justin Bieber perform at the World Cup halftime show? Justin Bieber performed an acoustic version of Everything Hallelujah, which also featured a surprise comedic skit with actor Jason Sudeikis.

Did Post Malone perform during the halftime show? No. Post Malone and Swae Lee headlined the Pre-Match Closing Ceremony concert before kick-off, rather than the halftime show itself.

Are BTS touring Australia after the World Cup? Yes. BTS are bringing the Arirang Tour to Australia in February 2027 with shows at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne and Accor Stadium in Sydney. Tickets are available through Ticket Merchant.

Is Robbie Williams touring Australia? Yes. Robbie Williams is touring Australia following his appearance at the World Cup festivities. Tickets are available through Ticket Merchant.

Is Post Malone touring Australia? Yes. Post Malone is bringing his BIG ASS World Tour to Australia & New Zealand in October 2026, playing Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney & Auckland. Tickets are available through Ticket Merchant.