BTS, Justin Bieber & More Perform at 2026 World Cup Halftime Show
How Shakira, Salma Hayek Pinault & More Stars Kicked Off the 2026 World Cup
The inaugural World Cup halftime performance was smooth like butter.
That’s because BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira and Madonna were there to take center stage. Indeed, the co-headliners brought music centerfield for FIFA World Cup’s 2026 Halftime Show, the tournament’s first-ever mid-match performance at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19.
Madonna kicked off the show, performing her 2000 anthem "Music." The pop icon—who donned a mauve and pink-colored ensemble—was driven into the stadium by Brazil national team legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, and brought the house down.
Madonna, 67, then handed it off to Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and his orchestra, who rocked the stadium with the help of the Muppets playing instruments.
Dynamite then exploded over MetLife as BTS performed their hit "Dynamite," rocking fire red, black and white coordinated outfits.
Following the K-pop group's performance, it was time to bring down the heat. As Ted Lasso's Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, making a cameo as their characters from the comedy, shared, the stadium needed someone who "could bring the love."
The musician? Justin Bieber, of course. The singer sang a heartfelt rendition of his acoustic hit "Everything Hallelujah," performing with his guitar in hand. Justin closed out the soulful performance by changing his final lyrics to, "It's the World Cup, hallelujah."
The show-stopping halftime show continued with Shakira and Burna Boy getting the thousands in the crowd up on their feet. The duo hit the field with a rhythm-fueled rendition of their song "Dai Dai."
As for how the epic World Cup performance concluded? Children's choir PS22 Chorus and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who curated the show, joined forces with the field of dancers and Sesame Street characters for a heartwarming performance about coming together with love.
Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
The performers were announced as the event’s inaugural co-headliners in May, with Justin being added earlier this month. And while they left it all out on the field during their unforgettable performances, the appearance was also for a good cause.
As FIFA announced on its official website, $1 from every ticket sold to the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches “will be donated to support social projects all over the world.”
“It's a message for every child who's been told that their dream is too big,” she told People in an interview published June 3. “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.”
Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images
And the honor of performing at the event was especially monumental for the “Waka Waka” singer, who first performed at the World Cup 20 years ago. As she put it, the milestone changed her life—and perspective—for good.
“I have this connection with [soccer] that seems unbreakable,” she explained. “Every World Cup is really magical, and I think this one is going to be all about bringing people together in this very sensitive moment in time, socially and politically.”
Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images
As for how the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer was selected alongside Justin, Madonna and BTS for the honor? Well, they have Chris Martin to thank for that.
As Chris explained of his goal for the halftime show in a May 14 YouTube video, “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.”
For all the stars spotted in the stands at the 2026 World Cup, read on…
Deonté Lee/BFA.com/Shutterstock
Romeo Beckham & Starino
David Beckham and Victoria Beckham's son hung out with the designer at Tequila Don Julio 1942's Port of Champions party celebrating the final week of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Seth Browarnik/WorldRedEye
Rauw Alejandro
The "Tattoo" singer made his mark at Buchanan's Whisky's quarterfinals after-party in Miami.
Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Timothée Chalamet
The Marty Supreme star had a smashing time during the France vs. Spain game at Dallas Stadium on July 14.
Courtesy of SoFi
Simone Ashley
From the Ton to the pitch. The Bridgerton actress caught the Spain vs. Belgium game from inside the SoFi suite at Los Angeles Stadium July 10.
Jason Sean Weiss/BFA.com/Shutterstock
Big Sean
The "Bounce Back" rapper decided to hit up the Spain vs. Belgium game in his Nike tee.
ETIENNE LAURENT / AFP via Getty Images
Ines de Ramon & Brad Pitt
The couple did date night at the July 10 match.
Getty Images for FIFA
Tinashe
The "Nasty" singer's got stamina as she watched the July 5 match with Marriott Bonvoy.
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Casamigos
Rosie DiMare & Kelsey Swanson
The Real Housewives of Rhode Island stars put aside their feud for a winning jersey swap at the FIFA World Cup 2026 match with Casamigos on July 5.
Steph Chambers - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Jay-Z
The rapper's got 99 problems but attending the Brazil vs. Norway match on July 5 ain't one.
Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Casamigos
Joseph Sikora & Michael Rainey Jr.
The Power stars created the ultimate legacy at the Casamigos suite during the Brazil vs. Norway FIFA World Cup 2026 match on July 5.
Mike Stobe/Getty Images
Nigel Sylvester
The BMX athlete toasted to the Brazil vs. Norway game from inside the Tequila Don Julio suite at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Victoria Beckham & David Beckham
The couple spiced up the Argentina vs. Cabo Verde game at Miami Stadium July 3, bringing along their sons Romeo Beckham and Cruz Beckham.
Alex Slitz/Getty Images
Samuel L. Jackson
The Pulp Fiction alum rocked head-to-toe Adidas as he caught the Australia vs. Egypt game at Dallas Stadium on July 3.
Mike Stobe/Getty Images
Myles O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal's son had a slam dunk time inside the Tequila Don Julio suite during the France vs. Sweden match on on June 30.
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Tequila Don Julio
Serayah & Joey Bada$$
Parents' night out. The model and the "Devastated" rapper caught the Panama vs. England game from the Tequila Don Julio suite at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 27.
Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Union Station
Travis Barker
The Blink-182 drummer rocked out during the World Cup Fan Zone festivities at Los Angeles' Union Station on June 27.
Courtesy of Michelob ULTRA
Jude Bellingham & Camille Kostek
After helping England secure a 2-0 win against Panama, the soccer player was honored with Michelob ULTRA's Superior Player of the Match Award by the model.
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Channing Tatum
The Magic Mike star dressed up as Norwegian soccer player Erling Haaland alongside fans during the Norway vs. France game at Boston Stadium on June 26.
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Tequila Don Julio
Dru Phillips & Madison Whitworth
The NFL star and his girlfriend had a touchdown time watching the Ecuador vs. Germany game from the Tequila Don Julio suite at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 25.
Courtesy of SoFi
Nick Lachey
The 98 Degrees singer cherished his time inside the SoFi suite during the Turkey vs. USA game at Los Angeles Stadium on June 25.
Courtesy of Raising Cane’s
Ashton Kutcher
The That '70s Show alum was hanging out, down the street from the Turkey vs. USA game at Los Angeles Stadium, hitting up a Raising Cane’s party hosted on Snoop Dogg's Compound in Inglewood, Calif.
Jared C. Tilton - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Paris Hilton & London Hilton-Reum
The "Stars Are Blind" singer and her daughter, who she shares with husband Carter Reum, watched the Turkey vs. USA from inside Los Angeles Stadium.
Courtesy of Raising Cane’s
Jessica Alba & Danny Ramirez
The couple had a date night at Raising Cane's viewing party on June 25.
Courtesy of SoFi
Simu Liu
The Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings actor marveled at the view from the SoFi suite during the Turkey vs. USA game June 25.
Courtesy of Raising Cane’s
Joey King
The Kissing Booth actress cheered on Turkey at the Raising Cane's party on June 25.
Courtesy of Raising Cane’s
Dalton Gomez & Maika Monroe
Reminders of love. The real estate broker and the Reminders of Him star cozied up at the Raising Cane's party after the Turkey vs. USA game.
Li Ming/Xinhua via Getty Images
Travis Scott, Stormi Webster & Aire Webster
The "Sicko Mode" rapper brought his and ex Kylie Jenner's kids to the Portugal vs. Uzbekistan game in Houston on June 23.
Bryan Bedder-Getty Images for Tequila Don Julio
Eva Gutowski & Olav Stubberud
The YouTuber and the filmmaker cheered on Norway from the Tequila Don Julio suite inside New York New Jersey Stadium on June 22.
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Casamigos
Melissa Gorga & Teresa Giudice
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The Real Housewives of New Jersey stars put aside their longtime feud for an iconic jersey swap at the Norway vs. Senegal match with Casamigos.
Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Casamigos
Keegan-Michael Key & Gabrielle Union
The Wonka actor and Bring It On star settled their debate over classic margs vs. spicy margs with Casamigos Margaritas while cheering on Brazil vs. Morocco at NY NJ Stadium June 13.
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