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

Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber, and BTS performed for thousands of spectators at the 2026 World Cup final half-time show. Madonna sang her hit song "Music," appearing from tunnels under the arena, and began the half-time show. Justin Bieber played guitar in his segment. Shakira and Nigerian musician Burna Boy reunited on stage after performing together at the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City last month. K-Pop group BTS made their comeback from a three-year music hiatus to complete their mandatory military service in South Korea.

Their performances occurred during a half-time that ran to 27 minutes and 22 seconds, which was the longest in World Cup history. The stadium was a riot of colour for the half-time show, with fireworks ringing the stadium. Celebrities spotted watching included Kylie Jenner and her boyfriend Timothée Chalamet, as well as Beyoncé and Jay-Z. 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." Earlier, Jennifer Hudson sang the national anthem and Tom Cruise gave a speech as part of the sporting event's closing ceremony. Streamer IShowSpeed took to the field at the New York New Jersey Stadium first, alongside drummers and dancers. Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and Italian singer Laura Pausini also performed together, while rapper and singer Post Malone performed his hit song "Wow."