The inaugural halftime performance at the 2026 World Cup Final commenced with Madonna singing the iconic line, “Music makes the people come together.” However, the online response to the 11-minute-43-second showcase of superstar acts was mixed.
On the eventful Sunday, the 67-year-old music icon initiated the halftime show in vivid colors, arriving in a jeep chauffeured by Brazilian soccer legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo before joining them on the field. The Muppets band, Electric Mayhem, took over the stage next, delivering a rendition of The White Stripes’ renowned track “Seven Nation Army” alongside Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Following this, K-pop idols BTS set MetLife Stadium ablaze with their 2020 hit “Dynamite.”
Subsequently, the cameras shifted to Jason Sudeikis portraying his character Ted Lasso alongside Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard. As they ambled across the field, they contemplated bringing in a substitute with “some heart” and “some soul,” leading to the introduction of Justin Bieber. The 32-year-old artist presented a stripped-back acoustic rendition of his 2025 hit “Everything Hallelujah.”
Shakira then reinvigorated the atmosphere with her energetic performance, teaming up with Burna Boy for their World Cup anthem “Dai Dai.” The show culminated on a touching note with the PS22 Chorus, a choir comprising elementary school students from Staten Island, N.Y., delivering “We Dance” supported by Dudamel and featuring Coldplay singer Chris Martin, who curated the entire spectacle alongside Shakira, the Muppets, Justin Bieber, and other performers.
Typically, halftime in soccer is designated for player rest, with a regulated 15-minute break enforced by the International Football Association Board. However, the halftime break on Sunday extended to 27 minutes and 19 seconds, delaying the resumption of the Argentina vs. Spain final and drawing criticism from numerous fans and soccer enthusiasts. Many X viewers scrutinized both the concept and duration of the show.
While some viewers were critical of the halftime proceedings, others appreciated the diverse lineup of acts presented. The opinions ranged from disappointment in the show’s disruption of the game’s flow to admiration for the variety of performances showcased. Notably, Wayne Rooney, a former England player turned commentator, bluntly labeled the show as “crap” during BBC’s coverage.