FIFA turns World Cup final halftime into Super Bowl-style music fest with Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Bieber

FIFA transformed the World Cup final's halftime into a Super Bowl-style musical extravaganza for the first time, featuring a star-studded lineup including Shakira, Madonna, BTS, and Justin Bieber. The performance, lasting less than 15 minutes, marked a significant departure for the tournament.

The extended 27-minute break between halves allowed for the elaborate show, a tradition deeply rooted in major U.S. sporting events. Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy ignited the crowd with 'Dai Dai,' the official World Cup song, joined by winners of the Dai Dai Challenge and the Ugandan group Ghetto Kids. Madonna, accompanied by football legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazário, also took the stage, as did BTS and Justin Bieber, who performed 'Everyyhing Hallejujah' with just his guitar.

The artistic direction included Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel leading the New York Philharmonic and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. Celebrities like Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Rihanna, Timothée Chalamet, and Matt Damon were spotted in the stands. The event also featured characters from 'Sesame Street' and the PS22 youth choir, with pyrotechnics adding to the spectacle. The show aimed to promote the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, supporting educational projects for children.

Prior to the match, the closing ceremony included Post Malone, actor Tom Cruise, singers Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini, and content creator IShowSpeed. FIFA legends Mario Kempes and Andrés Iniesta presented the trophy, while Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony winner Jennifer Hudson performed a special rendition of the U.S. national anthem. The production was a collaboration between Global Citizen, Live Nation, and Done + Dusted, with Coldplay's Chris Martin as artistic director.