The 2026 FIFA World Cup reached its grand finale on July 19, bringing a memorable month and a half of football to an end. But the action on the pitch was only part of the spectacle. Before Spain faced Argentina, a star-packed closing ceremony and Jennifer Hudson’s national anthem set the mood, while Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira and more later made history with the tournament’s first official Final half-time show. Here are eight standout moments

Ishowspeed brings livestream energy to the stadium

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IShowSpeed, the American livestreamer known for his high-energy broadcasts and passion for football, opened the pre-match celebrations with “World Cup (Champions)”. Dressed in white and surrounded by dancers, he brought the same unpredictable personality that made him an online sensation onto the pitch. His appearance also reflected FIFA’s efforts to connect with younger fans who increasingly experience football through the internet.

Post Malone and Swae Lee turn the stadium into a singalong

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Post Malone followed with the live debut of his unreleased track “Chrome Heartbreaker”, performed from the centre of the pitch. He then welcomed Swae Lee for their 2018 hit “Sunflower”, instantly turning the stadium into a giant singalong. Moving from fresh material to a global favourite, the pair gave the pre-match build-up the energy of a full-scale stadium concert.

Jennifer Hudson delivers the national anthem

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Jennifer Hudson brought the pre-match programme to a more traditional close with “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Dressed in a white suit with red and blue accents, she began the anthem a cappella before being joined by a brass band, performing against a backdrop of international flags. Her soaring vocals created a powerful ceremonial pause amid the surrounding spectacle, just before Spain and Argentina took centre stage.

Madonna opens the historic half-time show

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Madonna opened the historic half-time show with “Music”, beginning with a roller-rink sequence before making her grand entrance in a dune buggy driven by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Colourful dancers and playful, club-inspired staging brought her 2000 hit to life. The wonderfully surreal opening continued as conductor Gustavo Dudamel and The Muppets transformed football favourite “Seven Nation Army” into an orchestral stadium spectacle.

BTS light up the pitch with “Dynamite”

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BTS followed with one of the evening’s most eagerly anticipated performances. Wearing coordinated red and black looks, the seven members powered through “Dynamite” with crisp formations, synchronised footwork and the polished showmanship that has made them global stadium stars. Though their appearance lasted only around two minutes, they made every second count, bringing K-pop’s signature precision and infectious energy to football’s biggest stage.

Justin Bieber strips things back

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After BTS filled the pitch with choreography, Justin Bieber shifted the mood with an acoustic performance of “Everything Hallelujah”. Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt introduced him in character as Ted Lasso and Coach Beard, adding a light-hearted touch before Bieber appeared with his guitar. The relaxed arrangement became the show’s most intimate moment, offering a welcome change of pace amid the fast-moving production and larger ensemble performances.

Shakira and Burna Boy revive the World Cup spirit

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Shakira returned to familiar territory alongside Burna Boy for “Dai Dai”, the tournament’s official anthem. Performing barefoot in a bright, feathered outfit, she took over the pitch with a troupe of dancers before the Nigerian Afrobeats star joined her. Their collaboration blended Latin pop and Afrobeats, restoring the celebratory energy while continuing Shakira’s long association with the World Cup’s most memorable musical moments.

Coldplay's Chris Martin leads the all-star finale

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Coldplay frontman Chris Martin gathered the show’s eclectic cast for a suitably star-packed finale alongside Staten Island’s PS22 Chorus and conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Shakira returned to the pitch, while Kermit, Miss Piggy and other familiar characters joined the celebration. Martin also curated the 11-minute production, bringing it to a close with a message of love and unity while supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund’s work expanding access to education and football.

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