Madonna, Ronaldinho, and Ronaldo Headline Spectacular 2026 World Cup Final Halftime Show

The 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain was not just a sporting event but a spectacle, featuring an unprecedented Super Bowl-style halftime show and an elaborate closing ceremony. The halftime entertainment, lasting over twenty minutes in total with an 11-minute performance, showcased a mix of global music superstars. Madonna opened the show, joined by football legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, before handing over to K-pop sensations BTS and pop star Justin Bieber. Shakira performed the World Cup song "Dai Dai," and the show concluded with Coldplay's Chris Martin, who curated the event, performing with the PS22 Chorus, a primary school choir from Staten Island. The production was a collaboration between Global Citizen, Live Nation, and Done + Dusted.

Beyond the on-field action, which saw Argentina and Spain tied 0-0 at halftime with few clear chances, the event emphasized its charitable aims. All proceeds from the halftime show are designated for FIFA's Global Education Fund, an initiative targeting $100 million to improve access to education and football for children worldwide.

Prior to the final kickoff, a grand closing ceremony also captivated the audience. Beginning 90 minutes before the match, it featured performances from renowned figures in music and film, including Tom Cruise, Jennifer Hudson, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, IShowSpeed, and Robbie Williams, adding another layer of star power to the day's events.