Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and BTS perform at World Cup half-time show

Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and BTS have performed at the 2026 World Cup half-time show, with the longest half-time being 27 minutes and 22 seconds. The event was curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and will raise money for the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund.

Madonna and Justin Bieber perform at the World Cup half-time show

Pop superstar Madonna and Justin Bieber have entertained the thousands of spectators at the 2026 World Cup half-time show. Madonna sang her hit song 'Music' - seeming to appear from tunnels under the arena. Justin Bieber, BTS, and Shakira also wowed the crowds.

The half-time was 27 minutes and 22 seconds - the longest in World Cup history. 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.

BTS and their comeback

BTS have been making their comeback from a three-year music hiatus to complete their mandatory military service in South Korea. The band is currently in the midst of an 85-date world tour.

The half-time show has been curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and will raise money for the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative working to raise $100m (£73m) for children worldwide.

Celebrity appearances and closing ceremony

Ahead of kick-off, multi-award-winning singer and actor Jennifer Hudson performed the US national anthem, accompanied by a live band. After the performances, 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. Football is a language spoken without words, a force that unites people.