BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira and more perform at first-ever World Cup halftime show
The first halftime performance of the World Cup was smooth as butter.
That’s because BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Madonna were there to take center stage. In fact, the co-headliner brought music center field to the 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show, the first mid-game performance in the tournament’s history, during the Argentina vs. Spain final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Madonna opened the show with her 2000 anthem “Music.” The pop icon, wearing a mauve and pink ensemble, was chased into the stadium by Brazilian national team legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, causing a stir.
Madonna, 67, then handed it over to Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and his orchestra, who wowed the stadium with the help of Muppets playing their instruments.
Dynamite then exploded over MetLife as BTS performed their hit song “Dynamite” while rocking coordinating fire red, black and white outfits.
After the K-Pop group’s performance, it was time to cool off from the heat. Ted Lasso’s Jason Sudeikis Brendan Hunt, who has a cameo appearance as a character in the comedy, said the stadium needed someone to “bring the love”.
