The 2026 FIFA World Cup made history on July 19 with its inaugural Final Halftime Show, held during the championship match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Presented as part of a charitable initiative supporting children’s education, the 11-minute spectacle brought together global music icons, orchestras, and beloved pop culture characters. Here are some of the night’s biggest moments.

Madonna’s powerful opening

The orchestral and the Muppets’ appearance

The New York Philharmonic and Venezuela’s Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of music director Gustavo Dudamel, delivered a live orchestral performance of the football anthem “Seven Nation Army.” 

The number took an unexpected turn with appearances from The Muppets, adding a playful touch to the ceremony.

The K-pop sensations BTS’ colorful performance

K-pop superstars BTS lit up the stadium with a performance of their global hit “Dynamite.” RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook turned the halftime stage into a massive singalong as thousands of fans joined in.

Justin Bieber’s slow-tempo stage

Following a string of high-energy performances, Justin Bieber shifted the mood with an acoustic rendition of “Everything Hallelujah.” Armed with only his guitar, the singer delivered one of the evening’s most intimate moments amid the stadium spectacle.

Shakira and Burna Boy’s performance of the official World Cup anthem

Shakira brought her signature stage presence alongside Burna Boy for a performance of the tournament’s official anthem, “Dai Dai.” Their collaboration celebrated the global spirit of the World Cup, bringing together audiences from different cultures through music.

A grand finale for a historic first

The halftime show concluded with all of the night’s performers returning to the stage for a finale led by New York’s viral PS22 Chorus performing “We Dance.” They were joined by Chris Martin of Coldplay, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Shakira, BTS, and the rest of the lineup, bringing the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show to a celebratory close.