World Cup Halftime Show Highlights Star-Studded Performances
Madonna kicked off the World Cup’s first halftime show with her 2000 hit “Music,” accompanied by former Brazilian soccer legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
The event, held at MetLife Stadium near New York, was designed to replicate a Super Bowl ambiance. However, the 11-minute performance felt more dynamic than the usual American football halftime shows, featuring multiple artists. Each performer was given around two minutes to shine.
Madonna’s segment started with what seemed to be a pre-recorded track filmed at a roller rink. She then made an entrance driving a dune buggy, singing, “Music brings people together.”
Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel guided an orchestra in performing the White Stripes’ sports anthem “Seven Nation Army,” while the Muppets’ house band provided a lively backdrop.
K-pop group BTS took the field next, clad in striking red and black outfits, to perform “Dynamite,” paying tribute to Norway’s Viking line.
In a quirky promotional moment for “Ted Lasso,” characters played by Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt encouraged Justin Bieber, who performed “Everything Hallelujah” while strumming a guitar.
Next, Shakira and Burna Boy delivered the official World Cup anthem, “Die Die.” Shakira, barefoot and wearing a vibrant feathered dress, danced with a group of children as they sang the catchy refrain, an Italian version of “Let’s go!”
Shakira has essentially carved out a niche with her World Cup songs, notably 2010’s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).”
The show culminated with a chorus featuring children from Staten Island, supported by Dudamel, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, and appearances from other celebrities and beloved Muppet characters.
About 40 musicians were involved in the performance, with their music previously recorded at the Manhattan Center.
Lively celebrations took place later, with actor Javier Bardem seen cheering Spain’s second World Cup win by dancing and expressing his excitement.
Other notable attendees included Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, and Matt Damon, who was enjoying a bustling weekend around the opening of “The Odyssey.” Damon’s wife, Luciana Barroso, showed off her Argentine pride in her outfit.
Jennifer Hudson, Post Malone, and Tom Cruise wrapped up the event with the closing ceremony. Hudson, along with Robbie Williams and others, performed various national anthems. Williams entertained in a vibrant blue tracksuit, teaming up with Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini, who dazzled in a sequin dress.
Streamer IShowSpeed opened on stage, singing his World Cup-themed track “Champions.” Then Post Malone joined the lineup, performing “Chrome Heartbreaker” and their hit “Sunflower” with Swae Lee, all while the pitch displayed the reflection of the New York skyline.
In his speech, wearing a casual polo and jeans, Cruise celebrated the semifinals, cheering for the last two remaining Spanish teams and Argentina. “Let’s celebrate the tournament that brought the world together,” he expressed.
Unlike the earlier matches where most anthems were played over speakers, Sunday featured live performances. Jennifer Hudson sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” in a striking white suit, surrounded by flags. Spanish brass played the patriotic instrumental “La Marca Real,” followed by pop star Maria Becerra singing Argentina’s anthem in a flowing dress that echoed the national colors.
