Madonna, BTS, Shakira headline World Cup final halftime show
Short overview
Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Shakira performed at the World Cup final halftime show in New York New Jersey Stadium, with special appearances by Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. The broadcast was restricted to UK viewers, drawing criticism from international fans.
The World Cup final halftime show at New York New Jersey Stadium featured a star-studded lineup including Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Shakira, who entertained the crowd during the break. Brazilian football icons Ronaldo and Ronaldinho also made special appearances, adding a nostalgic touch for fans.
Global Appeal and Nostalgia
The diverse lineup aimed to captivate a global audience, reflecting the tournament's international spirit. Madonna, known for her iconic pop hits, shared the stage with K-pop sensation BTS, pop star Justin Bieber, and Latin music icon Shakira. The inclusion of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho celebrated the enduring legacy of Brazilian football, blending music and sport.
Broadcast Restrictions Spark Criticism
The halftime show was broadcast during the World Cup final, but access to the video content was limited to UK users only. Viewers outside the UK encountered an error message stating the content was unavailable in their location. This restriction has drawn criticism from international fans who were unable to watch the performances.
A Tradition of Entertainment
The World Cup final halftime show has become a tradition, featuring major musical acts to enhance the viewing experience. This year's show aimed to merge music and football, highlighting the cultural impact of both. The presence of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho underscored the rich history of Brazilian football, while the musical acts represented contemporary global pop culture.
More on these topics
Five Players to Watch as Al Ahli Face Auckland FC in FIFA
Al Ahli host Auckland FC in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026 opener on 26 August. FIFA highlights five key players, including an English striker with 42 goals last season and a Japanese captain anchoring Auckland's defense.
Uefa set to drop Fifa boycott threat after assurances
Uefa is expected to lift its threat of boycotting Fifa competitions after receiving assurances that plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors will not be revived. The decision, to be discussed at Thursday's executive committee meeting, would allow the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland to proceed.
FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2026: Auckland FC face Al Ahli in opener
The third edition of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup begins in August with Auckland FC facing Al Ahli. Five continental champions will compete for the title, with Paris Saint-Germain defending their crown. The final is set for a centralized venue later this year.
Khadija Shaw wins PFA player of the year award
Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw has won the PFA player of the year award for the second time in three seasons, expressing her honor at the recognition.
