Madonna, BTS, Shakira, Justin Bieber headline record-length World Cup halftime show
The 2026 World Cup final halftime show in New York featured Madonna, BTS, Shakira, and Justin Bieber, running 27 minutes and 22 seconds—the longest in tournament history. Madonna performed 'Music' alongside Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Shakira reunited with Burna Boy after their opening ceremony performance in Mexico City. BTS returned from a three-year hiatus due to mandatory military service in South Korea. The extended break violated IFAB rules allowing only a 15-minute maximum. Other performers included Jennifer Hudson (national anthem), Tom Cruise (speech), Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Post Malone, and Swae Lee. Celebrities in attendance: Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Anya Taylor-Joy, Malcolm McRae, Jessica Alba, Danny Ramirez, David and Victoria Beckham, and Donald and Melania Trump with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Former England player Wayne Rooney criticized the show, calling it 'crap.'
Key facts
- Halftime show lasted 27 minutes 22 seconds, longest in World Cup history.
- Madonna performed with Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
- Shakira and Burna Boy reunited after opening ceremony in Mexico City.
- BTS returned from three-year hiatus due to military service.
- IFAB rules allow only 15-minute halftime break.
- Jennifer Hudson sang US national anthem.
- Tom Cruise gave a speech about football uniting people.
- Wayne Rooney called the performances 'crap.'
Entities
Artists
- Madonna
- BTS
- Shakira
- Justin Bieber
- Burna Boy
- Jennifer Hudson
- Tom Cruise
- Nicole Scherzinger
- Robbie Williams
- Laura Pausini
- Post Malone
- Swae Lee
- Ronaldo
- Ronaldinho
- Kylie Jenner
- Timothée Chalamet
- Beyoncé
- Jay-Z
- Anya Taylor-Joy
- Malcolm McRae
- Jessica Alba
- Danny Ramirez
- David Beckham
- Victoria Beckham
- Donald Trump
- Melania Trump
- Gianni Infantino
- Wayne Rooney
- IShowSpeed
- Animal (band)
- Muppets
Institutions
- International Football Association Board (IFAB)
- FIFA
- BBC
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Mexico City
- Mexico
- South Korea
- Argentina
- England
- Spain
- Brazil
- Nigeria
- Colombia
- Italy