How Shakira, Salma Hayek Pinault & More Stars Kicked Off the 2026 World Cup

The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 culminated not only in a thrilling final match between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, but also in an unprecedented halftime spectacle that redefined the tournament’s entertainment quotient. For the first time in World Cup history, a star-studded lineup delivered an electrifying halftime performance, transforming the mid-match break into a global concert event. Headlining this historic occasion were global music powerhouses BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and the legendary Madonna, each bringing their unique artistry to the center stage.

A Halftime Extravaganza: From Pop Royalty to K-Pop Sensations

The monumental performance commenced with the Queen of Pop, Madonna. At 67 years old, she made a dramatic entrance, being driven onto the field by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Dressed in a striking mauve and pink ensemble, she ignited the stadium with a powerful rendition of her 2000 anthem, "Music," a song that has long resonated with themes of unity and global connection. Her iconic performance set a high bar, showcasing her enduring stage presence and ability to command a global audience.

Following Madonna’s electrifying set, the baton was passed to the maestro Gustavo Dudamel, the Venezuelan conductor, who led his orchestra in a dynamic performance. Adding an unexpected and delightful twist, the beloved Muppets joined the orchestra, playing instruments and injecting a sense of playful nostalgia into the stadium’s atmosphere. This segment underscored the diverse and inclusive spirit intended for the halftime show, blending classical grandeur with whimsical entertainment.

The energy then shifted dramatically as K-pop titans BTS took over. Emerging in fiery red, black, and white coordinated outfits, the seven-member group delivered a high-octane performance of their global hit "Dynamite." Their signature choreography and infectious energy electrified the crowd, demonstrating the immense international appeal of the genre and solidifying BTS’s status as a global phenomenon. The seamless transition from Dudamel’s orchestra to BTS highlighted the carefully curated nature of the show, designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of musical tastes.

The momentum continued with a segment that emphasized heartfelt emotion. Actors Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, reprising their beloved roles as Ted Lasso and Coach Beard from the hit Apple TV+ series, made a surprise cameo. Their introduction hinted at the need for a performer who could "bring the love," a perfect segue for the arrival of Justin Bieber. The Canadian superstar delivered a soulful acoustic rendition of his hit "Everything Hallelujah," strumming his guitar and connecting with the audience on a more intimate level. He concluded his performance with a poignant lyrical adjustment, singing, "It’s the World Cup, hallelujah," a touching tribute to the unifying power of the tournament.

The show’s penultimate act featured the dynamic duo of Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy. Together, they ignited the stadium with a rhythm-fueled performance of their collaboration "Dai Dai." Their energetic stage presence and infectious beats got the thousands in attendance on their feet, showcasing the global fusion of music that the World Cup represents. This collaboration underscored the tournament’s commitment to celebrating diverse musical cultures.

The grand finale brought together a heartwarming ensemble. The PS22 Chorus, a renowned children’s choir, joined forces with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who served as a curator for the show. Alongside a field of dancers and characters from the beloved children’s program Sesame Street, they delivered a powerful message of unity and love, bringing the historic halftime show to a memorable close. This collaborative finale emphasized the overarching theme of global togetherness, a sentiment deeply embedded in the spirit of the World Cup.

A Legacy of Unity and Giving Back

The selection of these global superstars as the inaugural co-headliners for the World Cup halftime show was a strategic move by FIFA, announced in May with Justin Bieber’s addition confirmed later. Beyond the spectacular performances, the event carried a significant philanthropic mission. FIFA announced that $1 from every ticket sold for the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches would be donated to support social projects worldwide. This initiative aims to leverage the tournament’s global platform to create tangible positive change.

Shakira, a long-time advocate for children’s rights and a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, spoke passionately about the message behind her performance. In an interview with People published on June 3, she stated, "It’s a message for every child who’s been told that their dream is too big. And to remind us that every champion started out as a kid who perhaps went through hardship and struggles, but there was someone that believed in them, and that’s why they didn’t give up." Her words resonated deeply, highlighting the inspirational power of sport and music to uplift aspiring individuals.

For Shakira, the performance held a particularly special significance. Having previously performed at the World Cup 20 years prior, she described the milestone as life-changing. "I have this connection with [soccer] that seems unbreakable," she explained. "Every World Cup is really magical, and I think this one is going to be all about bringing people together in this very sensitive moment in time, socially and politically." Her sentiment underscored the World Cup’s role as a unifying force in a complex global landscape.

Chris Martin, the creative force behind the halftime show’s curation, articulated his vision for the performance in a May 14 YouTube video. He stated, "There’s singing and there’s dancing and there’s music and it’s a chance to show how amazing all different kinds of humans are." This philosophy guided the selection of artists and the overall production, aiming to celebrate diversity and foster a sense of shared humanity through the universal languages of music and sport.

A Gathering of Stars: Celebrity Sightings at the 2026 World Cup

Beyond the spectacular halftime show, the 2026 FIFA World Cup became a magnet for global celebrities, with numerous stars gracing the stands across various matches. From legendary athletes and actors to music icons and reality television personalities, the tournament provided a dazzling backdrop for a who’s who of the entertainment and sports worlds.

The Beckham family was a prominent presence, with David and Victoria Beckham attending the Argentina vs. Cabo Verde game in Miami on July 3, accompanied by their sons Romeo and Cruz Beckham. Romeo was later spotted with designer Starino at Tequila Don Julio 1942’s Port of Champions party, celebrating the tournament’s final week.

Hollywood’s elite also turned out in force. Timothée Chalamet was seen enjoying the France vs. Spain game at Dallas Stadium on July 14, while Ines de Ramon and Brad Pitt made for a glamorous couple during a date night at a match on July 10. Samuel L. Jackson was spotted in head-to-toe Adidas at the Australia vs. Egypt game in Dallas Stadium on July 3, showcasing his support for the sport. Simu Liu marveled at the action from a suite at the Turkey vs. USA game, and Ashton Kutcher attended a Raising Cane’s party hosted on Snoop Dogg’s Compound in Inglewood, California, near the Los Angeles Stadium.

The music industry was well-represented, with artists like Rauw Alejandro making his mark at a post-quarterfinals party in Miami. Tinashe watched a match with Marriott Bonvoy, while Big Sean donned a Nike tee to catch a game. Joseph Sikora and Michael Rainey Jr. of the Power series were seen in the Casamigos suite during the Brazil vs. Norway match. Serayah and Joey Bada$$ enjoyed a parents’ night out at the Panama vs. England game, and Travis Scott brought his children, Stormi and Aire Webster, to the Portugal vs. Uzbekistan game in Houston.

Sports figures and their families also added to the star power. NFL star Dru Phillips and his girlfriend Madison Whitworth enjoyed the Ecuador vs. Germany game, while Myles O’Neal, son of Shaquille O’Neal, had a fantastic time at a match. BMX athlete Nigel Sylvester toasted to a game from a suite, and 98 Degrees singer Nick Lachey cherished his time in a suite at the Turkey vs. USA game.

Reality television stars were also in attendance, with Real Housewives of Rhode Island stars Rosie DiMare and Kelsey Swanson engaging in a friendly jersey swap. Jessica Alba and Danny Ramirez had a date night at a viewing party, while Joey King cheered on Turkey at a Raising Cane’s party. Dalton Gomez and Maika Monroe were seen cozying up at a post-game party.

Even royalty made an appearance, with Paris Hilton and her daughter London Hilton-Reum watching the Turkey vs. USA game. The world of sports personalities extended to Jude Bellingham, who received Michelob ULTRA’s Superior Player of the Match Award from model Camille Kostek, and Channing Tatum, who famously dressed up as Norwegian soccer player Erling Haaland.

The blend of global music icons, celebrated actors, legendary athletes, and influential personalities created an electric atmosphere not only on the field but also in the stands and at various associated events throughout the tournament. The 2026 FIFA World Cup truly served as a global stage where the passion for football intersected with the allure of celebrity, amplifying the tournament’s reach and impact on a worldwide scale. The integration of such a diverse array of talent into the World Cup experience underscores the tournament’s evolution into a multifaceted cultural phenomenon, transcending the boundaries of sport to become a global celebration of human achievement and connection.