Star-studded half-time show dazzles fans at FIFA World Cup final

NEW YORK: The FIFA World Cup 2026 final delivered a spectacular half-time show, blending football legends, global music stars and television favourites in an extravagant celebration here at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.

The performance began with American pop icon Madonna making a dramatic entrance from the stadium walkway before being driven onto the pitch in a buggy by football greats Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.

The trio emerged to the iconic Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes, a song synonymous with football stadiums around the world.

The entertainment continued with a lively drum performance by The Muppets, followed by a visually stunning set from South Korean supergroup BTS, whose appearance was met with a thunderous reception from the crowd.

Adding a touch of humour, fictional football coach Ted Lasso appeared alongside Justin Bieber, offering the singer an on-stage pep talk before Bieber performed his 2025 hit Everything Hallelujah.

The Canadian star delivered a special World Cup version of the song, incorporating lyrics celebrating football's biggest tournament.

The show concluded with Colombian superstar Shakira and Burna Boy performing the tournament's official anthem, a song that has become one of the defining sounds of the 2026 World Cup.

The energetic finale brought thousands of fans to their feet, capping off one of the most memorable half-time spectacles in the competition's history.

The star-studded production combined music, sport and entertainment, providing a fitting interlude before the second half of the World Cup final.