World Cup final halftime show: Rating every performer as Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Shakira star

The inaugural World Cup final halftime show showcased a stellar lineup, featuring global icons such as BTS, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and Shakira. FIFA’s effort to mimic the high-energy spectacle of the Super Bowl resulted in an ambitious blend of star power, intricate staging, and well-known hits, although not every performance hit the mark.

Rating the Performers

Madonna and Special Guests

Kicking off the show, Madonna made a grand entrance on a dune buggy, driven by Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. The performance earned a perfect score of 10/10 not only for her star power but also for the nostalgic track ‘Music’ accompanied by ‘Disco Inferno.’ The atmosphere was electric, particularly with ‘Seven Nation Army’ playing as Ronaldo entered the pitch.

BTS

BTS followed with an energetic performance of their hit ‘Dynamite.’ Their flawless dance routine and high energy stood out in a show that had its fair share of bizarre moments. The K-pop group received an 8/10 rating, with many feeling they deserved more performance time.

Justin Bieber

Next up was Justin Bieber, introduced by characters from ‘Ted Lasso.’ Fans anticipated a memorable set list, but the choice of ‘Everything Hallelujah’ felt underwhelming. Although he included ‘World Cup Hallelujah’ towards the end, his performance only earned a 6/10 rating.

Shakira and Burna Boy

Shakira took the stage next, delivering a captivating rendition of the 2026 World Cup song ‘Dai Dai’ alongside Burna Boy. Despite not wearing shoes, her performance garnered a solid 7/10 rating, adding a vibrant touch to the halftime show.

PS22 Chorus and Coldplay

Closing out the show, Coldplay performed a new track titled ‘Believe in Love,’ with vocal support from the PS22 Chorus, made up of Staten Island elementary students. This heartfelt finale, marked by the words “believe in love” around the stadium, left a lasting impression, earning a 7/10 rating.