World Cup Soccer Match Features Extended Halftime Show
Sunday’s soccer match between Argentina and Spain took an unusual turn as it included the first-ever halftime show at the World Cup. Instead of the standard halftime interval, the break extended for a remarkable 27 minutes, nearly double the 15 minutes typically sanctioned by FIFA.
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The show opened with a pre-recorded segment featuring Madonna, who emerged from the tunnel alongside Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
Next, viewers enjoyed a performance by the Muppets paired with an orchestral version of “Seven Nation Army,” followed by a lively rendition of “Dynamite” by BTS.
Actors Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt from the series “Ted Lasso” appeared next, promoting Justin Bieber before a surprisingly solemn rendition of “Everything Hallelujah,” with lyrics adapted for the occasion.
Shakira and Burna Boy performed their 2026 World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” before the finale featured a group of brightly dressed children singing about love alongside Coldplay.
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The show combined pop culture with musical performances, some of which appeared more lip-synced than others, while also referencing cultural highlights from the tournament.
FIFA has faced criticism for introducing hydration breaks and segmenting the World Cup experience to resemble American football, a sentiment echoed in reactions to Sunday’s halftime show, which some argued mimicked the Super Bowl instead of establishing its own identity.
The show’s extended duration also raised questions about how it might impact players, particularly their ability to stay warm during the break before the second half.