BTS, Madonna, and Muppets headline FIFA World Cup halftime show
In the match between Spain and Argentina, the FIFA World Cup kicked off its first-ever halftime show reminiscent of the Super Bowl, featuring big names like BTS, Madonna, and the Muppets. This 12-minute event celebrated football legend Pelé and included a rendition of "Seven Nation Army" directed by Gustavo Dudamel, with musicians from the US, Venezuela, and Iran. Coldplay wrapped up the performance, joined by characters from Sesame Street and the Muppets. The show aimed to raise support for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund to improve sports access for underprivileged youth. Organizers called it “the largest gathering of artists for a cause since Live Aid” and highlighted it as “the most-watched 11 minutes of music broadcast ever.” The entire halftime break was 27 minutes long.
Key facts
- The halftime show took place during the Spain vs. Argentina match.
- It was the first Super Bowl-style halftime show for a FIFA World Cup.
- Performers included BTS, Madonna, and the Muppets.
- A tribute to Pelé was part of the show.
- Gustavo Dudamel led a rendition of 'Seven Nation Army' with musicians from the US, Venezuela, and Iran.
- Coldplay and a New York school choir closed the performance with Sesame Street and Muppets characters.
- The show supported the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
- Organizers claimed it was the largest gathering of artists for a cause since Live Aid.
Entities
Artists
- BTS
- Madonna
- Gustavo Dudamel
- Coldplay
Institutions
- FIFA
- Global Citizen Education Fund
- Sesame Street
- The Muppets
Locations
- United States
- Venezuela
- Iran
- New York