Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS perform at colourful World Cup half-time show

Jul 19, 2026 - 22:05

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Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS perform at colourful World Cup half-time show

Shakira dancing in a pink, yellow, orange and red flowing outfit with back-up dancers — Shakira and Burna Boy performed their collaboration, Dai Dai, which has been a global chart hit a fixture in stadiums throughout the tournament [Getty Images]

Pop giants Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Justin Bieber performed for thousands of spectators at the 2026 World Cup final half-time show.

Madonna sung her hit song Music - seeming to appear from tunnels under the arena.

Their performances came in a half-time that ran to 27 minutes and 22 seconds - the longest in World Cup history.

Madonna performs at the World Cup half-time show — Madonna was flanked by Brazilian greats Ronaldinho and Ronaldo [Getty Images]

Justin Bieber holding a guitar — Justin Bieber played guitar in his segment [Getty Images]

Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian musician Burna Boy reunited on stage after performing together at the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City last month.

Shakira waves as she performs — [Getty Images]

Watch closing ceremony and build-up before Spain face Argentina in World Cup final

K-Pop group BTS have been making their comeback from a three-year music hiatus to complete their mandatory military service in South Korea.

South Korean K-pop group BTS performs — South Korean K-pop group BTS [Getty Images]

A wide shot of the stadium with a colourful stage in the centre and the word "love" written in the middle — The stadium was a riot of colour for the half-time show, with fireworks ringing the stadium [Getty Images]

Several celebrities were spotted watching on, including Kylie Jenner and her boyfriend Timothee Chalamet, as well as Beyonce and Jay-Z.

Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner clapping — Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner [Getty Images]

Anya Taylor-Joy and husband, US musician Malcolm McRae — British-Argentine actress Anya Taylor-Joy was joined by her husband Malcolm McRae - she told reporters ahead of the England v Argentina semi-final that she was for Argentina in her "heart of hearts" [Getty Images]

Earlier, a range of performances began the sporting event's closing ceremony, including Jennifer Hudson singing the national anthem and a speech from actor Tom Cruise.

Streamer IShowSpeed took to the field at the New York New Jersey Stadium first, alongside drummers and dancers in vibrant tracksuits.

Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and Italian singer Laura Pausini also performed together, while rapper and singer Post Malone also performed his hit song Wow.

Tom Cruise speaks before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina — Tom Cruise spoke about the power of football to unite people [Getty Images]

Jennifer Hudson sings the national anthem before the match [Getty Images]

(Bottom from L) English former footballer David Beckham, singer and designer Victoria Beckahm, US actor Tom Cruise, (top from L) Jackie Apostel, Cruz Beckham, Kim Turnball and Romeo Beckham attend the 2026 World Cup football tournament — David Beckham and his wife Victoria Beckham shared a laugh with actor Tom Cruise [Getty Images]

Ahead of kick-off, multi-award-winning singer and actor Jennifer Hudson performed the US national anthem, accompanied by a live band.

After the performances, Tom Cruise took to the stage to introduce the match.

"From every corner of the globe, we have witnessed greatness, and we have shared in moments of joy," he told the crowd. "Football is a language spoken without words, a force that unites people."

Animal performs during the Topps Final Halftime Show during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final — The band Animal performed during the half-time show - with an appearance from the Muppets [Getty Images]

Post Malone and Swae Lee perform during the closing ceremony before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina — Post Malone was joined by rapper Swae Lee to sing their hit song Sunflower [Carl Recine/Getty Images]

US actress Jessica Alba (L) and US actor Danny Ramirez attend the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina — US actress Jessica Alba and US actor Danny Ramirez were spotted waving flags [Getty Images]

Italian singer Pausini told the BBC she had goosebumps when Williams invited her to sing alongside him.

But not everyone was thrilled by the performances half-time performance.

Former England player Wayne Rooney, who was part of the commentary team for the BBC, gave his instant reaction: "I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was crap."