FIFA Introduces Halftime Show at World Cup Final

In a historic first for the tournament, a star-studded halftime show headlined by Shakira and featuring Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS, and Burna Boy took place during the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on July 19, 2026, in New Jersey. The spectacle, modeled after the Super Bowl, sparked immediate debate among viewers about its place in football's premier event.

Shakira, a veteran of four previous World Cups, was widely praised as the standout performer, with many fans on social media celebrating her energetic performance of the official tournament song "Dai Dai" with Burna Boy. The Colombian star, 49, reflected on the experience, telling People magazine that the World Cup remains a rare unifying force in a divided world and that she feels a deep, unbreakable connection to soccer. She expressed pride in creating songs that bring people joy and inspire communal celebration.

In contrast, Justin Bieber's performance became a focal point of post-show analysis. His stripped-back, intimate rendition of "Everything Hallelujah" was seen by many critics as a tempo shift that did not match the high-energy, anticipatory atmosphere of a World Cup final. Observers noted that...