The much-anticipated opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was a spectacle of global unity and star power, culminating in a halftime performance that redefined the tournament’s entertainment legacy. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, played host to a groundbreaking event on July 19, featuring a lineup of international music icons that captivated a sold-out crowd and billions watching worldwide. The inaugural World Cup halftime show, a first in the tournament’s storied history, was meticulously curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, aiming to be a powerful message of connection and hope in a complex global landscape.
The star-studded performance commenced with the Queen of Pop, Madonna, taking center stage. Dressed in an elegant mauve and pink ensemble, she launched into her iconic 2000 hit, "Music." Her grand entrance, arriving in the stadium driven by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, set a tone of grandeur and international sporting reverence. The energy in the stadium surged as Madonna, a seasoned performer at 67, delivered a performance that resonated with fans across generations. Her presence underscored the event’s commitment to celebrating legendary figures in both music and sport.
Following Madonna’s electrifying set, the baton was passed to Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and his orchestra. In a whimsical and unexpected twist, the renowned Muppets joined the symphony, adding a unique blend of classic entertainment and playful artistry to the halftime spectacle. This segment, while brief, highlighted the organizers’ intent to weave together diverse forms of cultural expression, making the halftime show a truly inclusive experience.
The stadium then erupted with the vibrant energy of BTS. The global K-pop phenomenon delivered a high-octane rendition of their chart-topping hit "Dynamite." Clad in striking fire-red, black, and white coordinated outfits, the seven members of BTS brought their signature dynamic choreography and powerful vocals to the centerfield stage. Their performance not only thrilled their dedicated fanbase, known as ARMY, but also introduced their electrifying stage presence to a broader World Cup audience, further cementing their status as one of the world’s most influential musical acts. The sheer scale of their global appeal was evident in the roaring approval from the diverse crowd.
The mood shifted as the performance transitioned to a more intimate, yet equally impactful, segment. Actors Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, reprising their beloved roles as Ted Lasso and Coach Beard from the acclaimed Apple TV+ series, made a special cameo. Their presence, infused with the optimistic spirit of their characters, served as a poignant lead-in for the next performer, emphasizing the need for "love" and unity. This crossover between the sporting world and popular culture demonstrated a strategic effort to connect with a wide demographic of viewers, leveraging the universal appeal of both football and engaging storytelling.
Justin Bieber then took the stage, delivering a soulful acoustic rendition of his hit "Everything Hallelujah." Accompanied by his guitar, Bieber’s performance was a heartfelt moment that resonated with the stadium’s emotional core. He concluded his set with a powerful lyrical alteration, singing, "It’s the World Cup, hallelujah," a touching tribute to the global sporting event and its unifying message. Bieber’s inclusion in the halftime show lineup was a significant addition, announced shortly before the event, underscoring the organizers’ ambition to feature a diverse range of contemporary musical titans.
The rhythmic pulse of the halftime show continued with the dynamic collaboration between Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy. Their energetic performance of their song "Dai Dai" ignited the stadium, prompting thousands in the crowd to rise to their feet. Shakira, a veteran of World Cup anthems, brought her signature infectious energy and captivating dance moves, while Burna Boy added his unique Afro-fusion flair, creating a truly global musical fusion that perfectly embodied the spirit of the tournament.
The grand finale of the halftime show saw a heartwarming convergence of talent and innocence. The PS22 Chorus, a renowned children’s choir, joined forces with Chris Martin, who had been instrumental in curating the entire performance. Alongside a field of professional dancers and beloved characters from "Sesame Street," they delivered a moving performance centered on the theme of coming together with love. This collaborative effort underscored the World Cup’s commitment to fostering a sense of global community and shared humanity, particularly for younger generations.
A Historic Collaboration for a Global Cause
The announcement of the 2026 World Cup halftime show’s co-headliners—BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Madonna—generated immense excitement in May, with Bieber’s addition later confirmed. Beyond the sheer star power, this monumental performance was intrinsically linked to a significant philanthropic endeavor. FIFA announced on its official website that $1 from every ticket sold for the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches would be donated to support social projects worldwide. This initiative transforms the entertainment aspect of the tournament into a force for positive global change, aligning the spectacle with tangible humanitarian efforts.
Shakira, a longtime advocate for children’s rights and education, articulated the profound meaning behind this partnership. In an interview with People published on June 3, she shared, "It’s a message for every child who’s been told that their dream is too big. And to remind us that every champion started out as a kid who perhaps went through hardship and struggles, but there was someone that believed in them, and that’s why they didn’t give up." Her words resonate deeply, connecting the aspirations of young athletes and dreamers worldwide with the unifying power of the World Cup.
For Shakira, performing at the World Cup held particularly profound personal significance. Having first graced the World Cup stage 20 years prior with her iconic anthem "Waka Waka," she views the tournament as a life-altering experience. She described her connection to soccer as "unbreakable" and emphasized the magical quality of each World Cup. "I think this one is going to be all about bringing people together in this very sensitive moment in time, socially and politically," she remarked, highlighting the tournament’s potential to serve as a beacon of unity during challenging global times.
The Curator’s Vision: Chris Martin’s Artistic Direction
The selection of these diverse artists was a deliberate choice orchestrated by Chris Martin, the creative force behind the halftime show’s artistic direction. In a YouTube video released on May 14, Martin elaborated on his vision for the performance: "There’s singing and there’s dancing and there’s music and it’s a chance to show how amazing all different kinds of humans are." His curatorial approach aimed to celebrate the multifaceted nature of human talent and the universal language of music, transcending borders and cultural differences. By bringing together artists from various genres and backgrounds, Martin sought to create a harmonious tapestry that reflected the global spirit of the World Cup.
A Gathering of Global Icons: Stars Shine Off the Field
Beyond the electrifying halftime show, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has also been a magnet for celebrity attendees, with stars from the worlds of sports, music, film, and fashion gracing the stands at matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These prominent figures have not only added to the tournament’s glitz and glamour but have also amplified its global reach and cultural impact.
Notable celebrity attendees observed throughout the tournament include:
- Romeo Beckham & Starino: Spotted at Tequila Don Julio 1942’s Port of Champions party, celebrating the tournament’s final week.
- Rauw Alejandro: The "Tattoo" singer made a significant appearance at Buchanan’s Whisky’s quarterfinals after-party in Miami.
- Timothée Chalamet: The acclaimed actor was seen enjoying the France vs. Spain game at Dallas Stadium.
- Simone Ashley: The Bridgerton star was a guest in the SoFi suite at Los Angeles Stadium, witnessing the Spain vs. Belgium game.
- Big Sean: The rapper was seen supporting his team while wearing a Nike tee at the Spain vs. Belgium game.
- Ines de Ramon & Brad Pitt: The couple enjoyed a date night at a July 10 match, showcasing their support for the tournament.
- Tinashe: The "Nasty" singer demonstrated her stamina by attending a July 5 match with Marriott Bonvoy.
- Rosie DiMare & Kelsey Swanson: The Real Housewives of Rhode Island stars put aside any differences for a memorable jersey swap at a FIFA World Cup 2026 match sponsored by Casamigos.
- Jay-Z: The iconic rapper was present for the Brazil vs. Norway match on July 5, highlighting his engagement with the global sporting event.
- Joseph Sikora & Michael Rainey Jr.: The Power stars were seen together in the Casamigos suite during the Brazil vs. Norway FIFA World Cup 2026 match.
- Nigel Sylvester: The BMX athlete was observed toasting the Brazil vs. Norway game from within the Tequila Don Julio suite at New York New Jersey Stadium.
- Victoria Beckham & David Beckham: The fashion mogul and former footballer, along with their sons Romeo and Cruz Beckham, spiced up the Argentina vs. Cabo Verde game at Miami Stadium on July 3.
- Samuel L. Jackson: The legendary Pulp Fiction actor was a standout in head-to-toe Adidas while attending the Australia vs. Egypt game at Dallas Stadium.
- Myles O’Neal: Shaquille O’Neal’s son had a fantastic time in the Tequila Don Julio suite during the France vs. Sweden match.
- Serayah & Joey Bada$$: The model and rapper enjoyed a parents’ night out, watching the Panama vs. England game from the Tequila Don Julio suite.
- Travis Barker: The Blink-182 drummer was a prominent figure during the World Cup Fan Zone festivities at Los Angeles’ Union Station.
- Jude Bellingham & Camille Kostek: Following England’s victory, the player received the Michelob ULTRA’s Superior Player of the Match Award from the model.
- Channing Tatum: The Magic Mike star embraced the spirit of the game by dressing as Norwegian soccer player Erling Haaland during the Norway vs. France game in Boston.
- Dru Phillips & Madison Whitworth: The NFL star and his girlfriend enjoyed a game from the Tequila Don Julio suite at New York New Jersey Stadium.
- Nick Lachey: The 98 Degrees singer was spotted in the SoFi suite during the Turkey vs. USA game at Los Angeles Stadium.
- Ashton Kutcher: The That ’70s Show alum was seen at a Raising Cane’s party hosted on Snoop Dogg’s Compound, adjacent to the Turkey vs. USA game.
- Paris Hilton & London Hilton-Reum: The singer and her daughter watched the Turkey vs. USA match from inside Los Angeles Stadium.
- Jessica Alba & Danny Ramirez: The couple attended a Raising Cane’s viewing party for a date night.
- Simu Liu: The Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings actor was impressed by the view from the SoFi suite during the Turkey vs. USA game.
- Joey King: The Kissing Booth actress cheered on Turkey at a Raising Cane’s party.
- Dalton Gomez & Maika Monroe: The real estate broker and actress were seen together at a Raising Cane’s party following the Turkey vs. USA game.
- Travis Scott, Stormi Webster & Aire Webster: The rapper brought his children to the Portugal vs. Uzbekistan game in Houston.
- Eva Gutowski & Olav Stubberud: The YouTuber and filmmaker cheered on Norway from the Tequila Don Julio suite.
- Melissa Gorga & Teresa Giudice: The Real Housewives stars were present at a Casamigos event.
- Keegan-Michael Key & Gabrielle Union: The actor and actress enjoyed Casamigos Margaritas while watching the Brazil vs. Morocco match.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has thus far proven to be more than just a sporting event; it is a global cultural phenomenon, uniting nations, celebrating diversity, and leveraging the power of entertainment and celebrity to inspire a message of hope, unity, and positive change worldwide. The halftime show, in particular, served as a powerful testament to this vision, creating a memorable and meaningful experience for all involved.
