Madonna, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho headline 2026 World Cup final halftime show

Madonna headlined the 2026 World Cup final halftime show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, performing her hit "Music." She was joined on stage by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, who wore jerseys referencing their iconic numbers. The performance kicked off with a dance routine outside the stadium before Madonna and the footballers entered the field.

The halftime show, presented by Coldplay's Chris Martin, was designed to emulate the elaborate productions seen at the Super Bowl. FIFA had initially announced an 11-minute musical performance, with an additional four minutes allocated for technical crews to dismantle the stage. This tight schedule aimed to ensure the match resumed promptly within the standard 15-minute halftime break.

Other artists featured in the show included Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Gustavo Dudamel. The event also incorporated elements from the closing ceremony, which had featured artists like Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and influencer IShowSpeed. Actor Tom Cruise and musician Post Malone delivered an opening speech, and for the first time in World Cup history, the host nation's national anthem was performed, with Jennifer Hudson singing for the United States.

Madonna's stage outfit featured black thigh-high boots, a pink skirt, a corset, and a matching blazer, accessorized with her signature sunglasses. The performance included urban-style dancers and a surprise appearance by Dudamel with The Muppets before BTS took the stage. The show's scale and celebrity involvement aimed to create a spectacle befitting the World Cup final.