The lineup for the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show was nothing short of unbelievable. Imagine seeing global music icons like Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, Shakira, and Burna Boy all connected to the same event. Add world-famous conductor Gustavo Dudamel, actor Jason Sudeikis appearing as Ted Lasso, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, along with the Muppets and the talented children’s choir from Staten Island’s P.S. 22. It felt as if every famous face had found a place on one stage.With so many celebrities involved, the football pitch looked incredibly crowded. The atmosphere was packed with energy, almost like a busy football bar in Buenos Aires just moments before kickoff. While the star power was impossible to ignore, many fans couldn’t help but wonder if the show was trying to do too much at once.
The halftime show lasted for just over 11 minutes, but every second was packed with carefully planned performances, impressive choreography, and appearances from some of the world’s biggest stars. It was clear that the organizers wanted to create a memorable entertainment experience that would appeal to a global audience. However, despite the effort and grand production, many viewers were still left wondering whether a World Cup halftime show was really needed.
Traditional football fans were among the biggest critics. Many believed that introducing a halftime concert was another step toward making the World Cup feel more like an American-style sporting event. Some even compared it to the commercial-style “hydration breaks” that had already sparked debate in previous tournaments. Others were more concerned about the players, arguing that the longer halftime could interrupt their focus, recovery, and match rhythm during such an important game.
Even music lovers had mixed reactions. With artists from completely different musical backgrounds sharing the same stage, many people were curious about how such a diverse lineup would work together. While the performances were entertaining, not everyone felt the combination created a memorable musical experience. In the end, the halftime show became one of the most talked-about moments of the final—not just because of who performed, but because it divided opinions among football fans and music lovers alike.
In reality, fans never got the chance to see how all these artists would truly perform together. Instead of feeling like one connected show, each performance appeared as its own separate segment. One act ended, another began, but there was very little that tied them together into a single story or musical journey.
Because of this, the halftime show sometimes felt disconnected. Every artist brought their own style and energy, but the transitions between performances were so quick that it almost seemed like they belonged to different events rather than one shared stage. While the production quality was high, the overall performance lacked the smooth flow that many viewers had expected.
The show opened with Shakira and Burna Boy performing this year’s official World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai.” Their performance was bright, energetic, and filled with colorful visuals that immediately grabbed the audience’s attention. Soon after, Madonna made a dramatic entrance with a fresh remix of her classic hit “Music.” The performance also included a few subtle references to her latest album, giving longtime fans something extra to notice.
The halftime show was curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, and its overall message was easy to understand. Instead of focusing only on entertainment, the production highlighted themes like music bringing people together, unity across cultures, hope, and a better future for the next generation. These are positive ideas that are hard to disagree with, and they gave the show a feel-good atmosphere from start to finish.
Even with those uplifting messages, some viewers felt the show relied more on famous faces and impressive production than on telling one clear, memorable story. The performances looked polished and professional, but the emotional connection that many football fans were expecting never fully came together.
One of the most enjoyable moments of the halftime show came when renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel led members of the New York Philharmonic, musicians from Venezuela’s Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, and even the Muppets in a lively performance of “Seven Nation Army.” It was a fun and unexpected mix that brought a smile to many viewers before the show quickly shifted back to pop music.
Soon after, BTS surprised fans by emerging from the crowd to perform their global hit “Dynamite.” The performance was energetic and polished, but instead of showcasing songs from their latest album, the group chose one of their most recognizable tracks. Madonna had taken a similar approach earlier in the show, suggesting that the organizers wanted familiar hits that almost everyone in the stadium and watching at home could instantly recognize.
Justin Bieber, however, took a different path. Rather than performing one of his biggest classics, he chose “Everything Hallelujah,” a newer song that had recently gained popularity online. Introduced by Ted Lasso and accompanied only by an acoustic guitar, Bieber delivered a calm and emotional performance. In a show filled with nonstop lights, dancers, and fast-paced transitions, his quieter set offered a refreshing pause and became one of the few moments that felt truly personal.
As the performance came to an end, it was clear that the halftime show had achieved its biggest goal—it ran smoothly without major technical issues, the football pitch remained in good condition, and the players returned to the match safely after the extended break. Yet despite its flawless production, many viewers were left feeling that the show tried to fit too many ideas, artists, and performances into a very short amount of time. Instead of leaving behind one unforgettable moment, it often felt rushed, making the entire experience more impressive than emotionally memorable.