World Cup final to feature historic half-time show with major artists
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 1:11 AM
Last updated Jul 19, 2026
The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will include a first-ever half-time show headlined by Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The show is expected to last up to 25 minutes, raising concerns among some about player welfare and the impact on the game. Previous events like the Club World Cup featured similar performances, indicating a shift towards integrating music in significant sporting events. Observers note a rising expectation from fans for entertainment during breaks.
- •Half-time show to feature Madonna, Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber.
- •Show duration expected to be 25 minutes, exceeding the usual 15-minute break.
- •Concerns about player welfare and game flow raised by fans and commentators.
- •Previous World Cup events and the Club World Cup have included musical performances.
- •Broadcasts will likely have punditry during staging changes between performances.
- 1:11 AMYahoo Sports — Why the World Cup half-time show may be a taste of things to come
"The 2026 World Cup's spectacle is creating debate about the place of music in sport - and how it could infiltrate other tournaments.
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