The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final included the first halftime show in World Cup history, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin. The performance featured artists such as Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Burna Boy, among others. Madonna began her performance in the tunnel before moving to the field, while Gustavo Dudamel conducted The Muppets in their rendition of "Seven Nation Army." BTS performed their hit "Dynamite," and Justin Bieber sang a modified version of "Everything Hallelujah." Shakira and Burna Boy performed the official World Cup anthem, "Dai Dai," with backup dancers. The show concluded with children singing about love alongside the performers.
Reactions to the halftime show were mixed. Some viewers praised it for its energy and coherence compared to past performances, while others criticized its length, noting it took 27 minutes to transition from the first half to the second. Former soccer player Wayne Rooney expressed his disapproval during a BBC broadcast, calling it "crap." Despite some criticism, many viewers found the show well-executed and suggested it could become a regular feature in future World Cups.