The final match of the FIFA World Cup between Spain and Argentina is alive and well. And to add to the festivities was a fun but unusual idea in the world of soccer organization: the halftime show.
Soccer is usually a fast-paced game, but with this World Cup being co-hosted in the US (the first US World Cup since 1994), it has fallen into the American Sports Entertainment Vortex™. Which isn’t a bad thing, except for the universal dislike of hydration breaks, which many commentators have pointed out are glorified commercial breaks for the Fox network.
IT-Mobile is giving away Apple iPhone 17 for free – how to claim yours
But given the schedule – Madonna, BTS, Shakira, and Justin Bieber, with a Muppets cameo as well Ted Lasso an introduction thrown in for good measure – the very first World Cup halftime show was perfect good.
The whole thing came in under six minutes, which somehow made it interesting: FIFA spent months making a short-lived show that was shorter than the ad break before it. The internet saw it – as did football pundits – and acted accordingly.
Mashable Trend Report
Madonna kicks us
Ronaldinho, Madonna. and Ronaldo.
Credit: Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Madonna’s entrance during the World Cup break was heavily pre-recorded, with the music icon opting for her 2000 hit “Music,” over tracks from the new album. Confessions II. He also appeared on ATV with football legends Ronaldinho and R9, which was a surprise.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
BTS brings dynamite
Credit: Florencia Tan Jun / Getty Images
Perhaps the most anticipated performance, depending on who you ask, BTS did a quick and dirty set, performing “Dynamite” from their album. BE.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
Ted Lasso x Justin Bieber?
‘Ted Lasso’ stars Jason Sudeikis and Brendon Hunt introduce Justin Bieber.
Credit: Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
After the hype from BTS’s quick look, Ted Lasso stars Jason Sudeikis and Brendon Hunt did a quick introduction to Justin Bieber, “putting” him into the halftime show as the heart the game desperately needs. Bieber’s single, 2025’s “Everything Hallelujah,” unfortunately took things down a notch, and viewers weren’t kind to it.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
Shakira is here
Shakira performed with Burna Boy.
Credit: Lars Baron / Getty Images
Shakira finally appeared with her official FIFA World Cup theme collaborator, Burna Boy, to perform “Dai Dai.”
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. Either it is loading or it has already been downloaded.
If you missed the World Cup halftime show, you can watch it on Mashable.
Articles
FIFA Sports World Cup