On Sunday, July 19, FIFA made history by introducing the very first Halftime Show at the World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina for 2026. The event was a star-studded affair, featuring performances from Shakira, Madonna, BTS, and Justin Bieber during the thrilling match between Spain and Argentina.
The 11-minute spectacle took place at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford and was curated by none other than Coldplay's frontman, Chris Martin. It was broadcast live around the world, blending entertainment with a purpose as it also supported the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, turning this monumental event into a celebration of music, football, and a global social cause.
Madonna kicked off the performance, electrifying the audience with her hit "Music," infused with snippets of "Disco Inferno" and "Danceteria," before sharing the spotlight with Brazilian football legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo.
Next up was BTS, who lit up the stage with "Dynamite," followed by Justin Bieber's heartfelt acoustic rendition of "Everything Hallelujah." Shakira and Burna Boy then took the stage to perform the official World Cup anthem "Dai Dai," leading into a grand finale featuring the PS22 Chorus, Coldplay, the Muppets, and Emmanuel Kelly, all coming together for the original song "We Dance."
IShowSpeed Becomes First Content Creator To Perform At FIFA World Cup Final
Before the historic halftime show, the closing ceremony of the World Cup final marked another significant milestone. YouTube sensation IShowSpeed made history as the first content creator to perform live at a FIFA World Cup final ceremony. He took the stage with his viral anthem "World Cup (Champions)" at New York New Jersey Stadium, just before the Spain-Argentina showdown, making a groundbreaking statement for digital creators on one of the biggest stages in sports.
At just 21 years old, IShowSpeed, who has gained global fame for his football content, livestreams, and gaming videos, stepped into the spotlight as a live performer rather than just an online entertainer. His presence underscored the rising influence of internet personalities at major sporting events, where musicians and traditional celebrities have long held the limelight. The ceremony also showcased performances from stars like Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Hudson, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and more.
Speed's performance followed the release of his song "World Cup (Champions)" on June 1, which quickly became one of the tournament's standout tracks. The anthem racked up over 90 million views on YouTube within its first month, and FIFA reportedly secured the rights to feature it during the competition. With more than 50 million YouTube subscribers, billions of video views, and a dedicated football fanbase fueled by his passion for Cristiano Ronaldo, Speed has become a familiar face at major football events.
