World Cup Halftime for Charity
Global Music Stars Dazzle at World Cup Final Halftime, Promoting Child Education Fund
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final made history with its first-ever halftime show, bringing together Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber on one stage TMZ. Inspired by the Super Bowl format, FIFA extended the halftime break to 30 minutes to fit the star-studded spectacle USA Today.
The show also carried a message beyond music. It served to promote the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a new initiative aimed at funding education projects and sports access for children around the world Huelva Información.
Madonna Opens the Show from Behind the Wheel
Madonna kicked off the performance in dramatic fashion — arriving on stage in a car driven by Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldinho El Economista. The pop icon set the tone for a show packed with pyrotechnics and spectacle. It was a clear signal that FIFA wanted this halftime show to rival anything seen at a Super Bowl Co.Headtopics.
The 30-minute show also featured a live band and appearances from "Ted Lasso" stars, according to TMZ. Soccer legends joined musicians on stage, blending sports and entertainment in a way the World Cup had never attempted before.
Justin Bieber Sings 'Hallelujah' to Mixed Reviews
Justin Bieber performed "Hallelujah" during his set, a choice that split audiences sharply El Economista. Some fans felt the slow, emotional song was not the right fit for a massive soccer final crowd. Online reaction was swift and divided.
The Mirror reported that many fans were "less than impressed" with Bieber's performance. Critics on social media said the set felt flat compared to the energy the rest of the show delivered.
Shakira Steals the Crowd and 'Saves the Day'
Shakira's performance was the clear fan favorite of the night. The Mirror reported that fans widely said Shakira "saved the day" after Bieber's set. She removed her sunglasses mid-performance — a moment El Economista noted was done specifically to avoid any confusion about who was on stage.
BTS also delivered a high-energy set that drew strong crowd response TMZ. Together, Shakira and BTS brought the stadium crowd back to full intensity heading into the second half of the Argentina final.
FIFA Global Citizen Fund Puts Education at Center Stage
Beyond the performances, the show had a stated mission. The FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund was front and center throughout the event Huelva Información. The fund is designed to finance education projects and expand sports access for children globally.
The halftime show format itself was a first for the World Cup, adapted from American sports culture Co.Headtopics. FIFA extended the traditional break specifically to make room for the show. With the US hosting the 2026 tournament, organizers made clear they were aiming for maximum entertainment scale.
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