Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Shakira delivered snippets of their popular songs during the World Cup’s initial halftime show on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The performance featured Burna Boy, Ted Lasso, and various Muppets, aiming to infuse a Super Bowl-like spectacle into the World Cup with an action-packed 11-minute show, contrasting the typical one-headliner, 13-minute format of American football halftime shows.
Madonna kicked off the show with her 2000 hit “Music,” accompanied by Brazilian soccer legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, starting in a roller rink setting before her grand entrance into the stadium on a dune buggy. Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel led an orchestra through The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” while the Muppets’ house band, featuring drummer Animal, added a lively touch in the background.
K-pop sensations BTS followed suit with a vibrant rendition of “Dynamite,” incorporating elements of Norway’s Viking rowing culture. Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, in character from “Ted Lasso,” hyped up Justin Bieber for his performance of “Everything Hallelujah,” delivered with an acoustic guitar and a relaxed vibe.
Shakira and Burna Boy took the stage next with their official World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” a familiar tune heard before all 104 tournament kickoffs. The show concluded with the PS22 Chorus, led by Dudamel and featuring Chris Martin, Shakira, and an ensemble of Muppets and “Sesame Street” characters, including Kermit and Cookie Monster.
In the closing ceremony, Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, and others presented a medley of anthems. Post Malone debuted a new song, “Chrome Heartbreaker,” alongside Swae Lee, following a memorable performance of their 2018 hit “Sunflower.” Tom Cruise delivered a heartfelt speech, underscoring the unifying spirit of the tournament.
Live renditions of national anthems, including Jennifer Hudson’s captivating rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and María Becerra’s rendition of Argentina’s “Himno Nacional Argentino,” added a poignant touch to the ceremony, celebrating the global harmony fostered by the World Cup.