World Cup Final Half-Time Show Features Madonna, BTS, Shakira and

Pop giants Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Justin Bieber performed for thousands of spectators at the World Cup final in a half-time show that rivaled the Super Bowl. The performances came during a half-time break that lasted 27 minutes and 22 seconds, the longest in World Cup history. The extended duration had already sparked controversy, as the International Football Association Board (Ifab) rules state players are entitled to a maximum 15-minute stoppage.

Star-Studded Performances

Madonna, who sang her hit song "Music," appeared to emerge from tunnels under the arena. She was joined by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian musician Burna Boy reunited on stage after performing together at the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City last month. K-Pop supergroup BTS made their comeback from a three-year music hiatus, which they took to complete their mandatory military service in South Korea.

Several celebrities were spotted watching from the stands, including Kylie Jenner and her boyfriend Timothée Chalamet, as well as Beyoncé and Jay-Z.

Closing Ceremony and Pre-Match Entertainment

Earlier, a range of performances began the sporting event's closing ceremony. Streamer IShowSpeed took to the field at the New York New Jersey Stadium first, alongside drummers and dancers in vibrant tracksuits. Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and Italian singer Laura Pausini also performed together, while rapper and singer Post Malone performed his hit song "Wow." Multi-award-winning singer and actor Jennifer Hudson performed the US national anthem, accompanied by a live band.

After the performances, actor Tom Cruise took to the stage to introduce the match. "From every corner of the globe, we have witnessed greatness, and we have shared in moments of joy," he told the crowd. "Football is a language spoken without words, a force that unites people."

Reactions and Controversy

Italian singer Pausini told the BBC she had goosebumps when Williams invited her to sing alongside him. However, not everyone was thrilled by the half-time performance. Former England player Wayne Rooney, who was part of the commentary team for the BBC, gave his instant reaction: "I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was crap."