Key Takeaways
- Performance Highlights: The halftime show featured BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Madonna.
- Historic Event: This was the first-ever halftime performance during a FIFA World Cup match.
- Stadium Venue: The event took place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
- Iconic Performances: Madonna opened the show, followed by BTS performing “Dynamite.”
The inaugural World Cup halftime performance was smooth like butter.
That’s because BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Madonna were there to take center stage. Indeed, the co-headliners brought music centerfield for FIFA World Cup’s 2026 Halftime Show, the tournament’s first-ever mid-match performance at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19.
Madonna kicked off the show, performing her 2000 anthem “Music.” The pop icon—who donned a mauve and pink-colored ensemble—was driven into the stadium by Brazil national team legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, and brought the house down.
Madonna, 67, then handed it off to Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and his orchestra, who rocked the stadium with the help of the Muppets playing instruments.
Dynamite then exploded over MetLife as BTS performed their hit “Dynamite,” rocking fire red, black and white coordinated outfits.
Following the K-pop group’s performance, it was time to bring down the heat. As Ted Lasso‘s Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, making a cameo as their characters from the comedy, shared, the stadium needed someone who “could bring the love.”
