FIFA held the first-ever halftime show during a World Cup final on Sunday at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford. The 11-minute performance took place during the championship match between Spain and Argentina, which was tied 0-0 at the break.
The production featured a diverse lineup of international musical acts, including Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Shakira. Nigerian artist Burna Boy performed the official World Cup song alongside Shakira, while Chris Martin of Coldplay performed with the PS22 Chorus from Staten Island. Other participants included conductor Gustavo Dudamel, leading musicians from the New York Philharmonic and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, and performers from the Muppets.
The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including President Donald Trump. While the show focused on themes of unity and togetherness, media reports noted the significance of the international gathering given the presence of political leadership at the stadium. The musical segments featured elaborate staging, including a roller-rink setup and appearances by retired Brazilian football stars Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.