Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Burna Boy performed at the first-ever halftime show during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, held at the New York New Jersey Stadium. The performance was curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and featured appearances by additional entertainment elements including the Muppets and references to pop culture.
The show received mixed reactions from viewers and commentators. While some sources highlighted the star-studded international lineup and the historic nature of the event, others offered more critical assessments. Former soccer player Wayne Rooney gave what one outlet described as a “brutal verdict” on the performance, though specific details of his critique were not provided in available coverage.
NPR noted that the presence of President Trump in attendance during the show added a political dimension to the event that it might not have otherwise carried. The performance represented a significant milestone for the World Cup, which had never previously featured a dedicated halftime show during the final match.
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