World Cup final features extended half-time show with musical performances

By Aroha Ngata — 19 July 2026 — 3 min read

World Cup Final Half-Time Show

The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina included a half-time show featuring performances from various artists, a first for the tournament. The show, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, was described by Fifa as a “landmark celebration at the intersection of sport, music and global impact.” This extended break, lasting up to 25 minutes, has generated discussion within the sporting community, as the International Football Association Board (Ifab) typically allows a maximum 15-minute stoppage for players.

The line-up for the half-time performance included Shakira, Burna Boy, BTS, and Madonna. Other participants were Kermit and Miss Piggy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel with musicians from the New York Philharmonic and the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, dance troupe Ghetto Kids, Emmanuel Kelly, and the PS 22 Chorus. Chris Martin of Coldplay curated the show. While the artists were not paid, the event aimed to raise money for an education fund.

During the half-time show, Ronaldo (the Brazilian player) and Ronaldinho were seen driving Madonna onto the field. Justin Bieber also performed, adding “World Cup” to his song lyrics. The show also featured Animal on drums during a performance of “Seven Nation Army.”

Fan and Expert Reactions

The extended half-time has sparked debate among fans and sports professionals. Ellis Platten, a British football content creator, expressed his disapproval of the half-time show and other initiatives at this year’s World Cup, questioning their necessity for an already widely watched event. He also voiced concerns about how the show might affect the game itself.

Betty Glover, a sports broadcaster covering the World Cup in the US, noted that the tournament this year feels very American, with numerous advertisements and limited analysis. She also questioned whether football truly needs a half-time show. However, James Massing of Live Nation, involved in producing the show, suggested that fan expectations for big sporting events have increased, indicating that musical performances could become more common in the future. He believes that adding a musical performance can make a final feel more significant.

The decision to extend the half-time break has raised concerns about player welfare, with some suggesting that prolonged inactivity could lead to injuries as muscles cool down. Ifab has previously rejected proposals to extend half-times beyond 15 minutes due to these concerns. Massing, however, stated that there is “no compromise when it comes to the integrity of the sport” and that “player welfare is absolutely fundamental” in organising such events.

Broader Implications for Sport

The inclusion of a half-time show in the World Cup final follows a trend seen in other major sports. American football’s Super Bowl has featured a half-time show since 1967. In Europe, musical performances at events like the Champions League and the British Grand Prix have become more common in recent years. Massing explained that as sports become more global, there is a natural shift to make events feel like a significant “occasion and a moment rather than a game.”

Despite this, Platten fears that half-time shows could become a regular feature in domestic football, which he considers unnecessary. Glover is uncertain if the concept will gain widespread adoption, particularly in future World Cups hosted in countries like Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. She believes that if entertainment can attract new fans without compromising the football itself, it could be a positive development.

In Buenos Aires, fans watched the match on screens, with some experiencing broadcast delays that led to spoilers from nearby groups reacting to plays before they appeared on their own screens. One fan, Carla Lucía del Pardo, countered this by watching commentary on her phone to gain a few seconds. The half-time show itself lasted just over 27 minutes, with approximately 11 minutes dedicated to the actual performances and the remaining time for stage setup and dismantling.

Source: theguardian.com