Star-Studded World Cup Halftime Show Shakes Up Tradition
Chris Martin curated the first FIFA halftime show, which aimed to raise $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
- On Sunday, July 19, 2026, FIFA debuted its first-ever World Cup halftime show at New York New Jersey Stadium during the final match, featuring a star-studded lineup of performers.
- Breaking from tradition, FIFA staged entertainment during the final for the first time, unlike the U.S. Super Bowl where halftime performances are an integral part of the event.
- Curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, the show aimed to fundraise $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, featuring performances from Burna Boy, Justin Bieber, and the PS22 Chorus.
- Musician Liam Gallagher criticized the performances on X, writing that the show was "like a bad trip" and that he relied on his "spiritual socks" to endure the entertainment.
- Led by Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra Gustavo Dudamel, the jam session featured the New York Philharmonic, the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, and The Muppets' drummer Animal.
21 Articles
21 Articles
FIFA World Cup Halftime Show Director on Making First-Ever Concert: “Challenging Beyond Challenging”
Hamish Hamilton speaks with The Hollywood Reporter about the star-studded 11-minute concert, production restrictions and facing pressure from skeptical fans who questioned the show in the first place.
Why Is Everyone Talking About the FIFA World Cup Halftime Show?
When FIFA announced the performers for the first-ever FIFA World Cup Halftime Show, the lineup immediately sparked excitement around the world: Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy and several other acclaimed performers came together for a landmark performance that blended music, football, and global culture. The global superstars each arrive with legions of fans, chart-topping careers, and a global reach that extends far beyond music…
FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show Delivers Chaotic But Spectacular Debut
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final made history Sunday with the tournament’s first-ever halftime show at MetLife Stadium. FIFA extended the halftime break to 30 minutes to accommodate the massive production. Madonna opened with a nightclub-themed medley alongside Brazilian legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo. BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy, Justin Bieber, and the PS22 Chorus followed, with Coldplay and even Kermit the Frog joining the finale. Despite cramming ev…
DSDS winner Alexander Klaws seems disappointed by the music show to the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
Liam Gallagher delivers damning verdict on World Cup half-time show amid backlash to 'c**p' performances
Liam Gallagher has made his thoughts on Sunday night's World Cup final half-time show clear after it received a rather mixed review from football fans watching at home.Football's showpiece occasion was transformed into an unprecedented entertainment spectacle as the first-ever World Cup final half-time show brought Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Coldplay to the MetLife Stadium pitch during the Spain versus Argentina clash.The 11-minut…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
