BTS, Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Coldplay, and all our favorite music superstars in one show? It can’t get any more legendary than this.
You don’t always see the words “Filipinos” and “morning people” in the same sentence. At least, not until today, July 20, 2026, when we joined the rest of the world in rising early to witness an unprecedented pop music extravaganza at the FIFA World Cup final’s inaugural halftime show. Filipino football fans and music lovers alike woke up first thing in the morning (as early as 3:00 AM, to be exact) to be first in line for the ground-breaking event.
Photo: FIFA World Cup/Instagram
For the first time in 86 years, the FIFA World Cup had an all-out celebration of culture, history, diversity, and sportsmanship with an electric halftime show that left us all wanting more. And we can’t blame you—with a lineup that iconic (including none other than the “Queen of Pop” herself), who wouldn’t want to witness history in the making?
Between Spain’s victory and today’s gathering of the music industry’s finest, this might be one of the best starts of the week we’ve had to date. If the FIFA World Cup’s first-ever halftime show already gave us this many must-watch moments, then we can only imagine the surprises (and stacked artist lineups) that await us in the years to come.
For now, however, we’re rounding up the unforgettable highlights that made this year’s halftime show one for the books. If you missed out on this morning’s livestream, perhaps this list can help you relive the magic.
Kicking Us Off With Style
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Madonna said it best: “Music makes the people come together.” And we couldn’t have imagined a more iconic way for her to open the FIFA halftime show.
Fresh off the release of her latest album, CONFESSIONS II, Madonna got the whole crowd up on its feet with her hypnotic performance of “Music.” She opened the floor to the rest of the halftime show’s performers, including some faces we totally didn’t see coming.
A Feel-good Treat for Music Lovers of All Ages
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There was certainly room for everyone at the FIFA halftime show. Even the members of The Electric Mayhem—yes, the chaotic rock band from the long-running Muppets franchise—owned the spotlight with Gustavo Dudamel, the New York Philharmonic, and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra for a brief rendition of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes.
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Little did we know that these lovable creatures would give us a wonderful build-up to BTS’s short-and-sweet performance of “Dynamite.” We expected nothing less from our seven “best boys,” who kept us grooving with their record-breaking hit song and its uplifting energy.
From Coachella to FIFA, “Bieber Fever” Lives On
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Justin Bieber brought smiles to our faces and hearts as he brought “Everything Hallelujah” to the FIFA World Cup’s halftime show.
His performance didn’t stray far from his nostalgic Coachella set—simple and unassuming, yet filled with meaning that honored the tournament’s foundation of sacrifices, perseverance, and unshakable fighting spirits.
The Return of a FIFA World Cup Icon
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Shakira is no stranger to empowering nations with her evergreen anthems for the World Cup. She always comes out swinging with upbeat songs that call for unity, courage, hope, and purpose, all of which have made up the tournament’s core values throughout history.
This year, Shakira has collaborated with Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy for “Dai Dai,” a dance-heavy track about tirelessly chasing your dreams and forging your own path in the face of adversity. The two teamed up at the halftime show for a dynamic performance that had our jaws on the floor in no time.
A Heartfelt Closing Number With an Ensemble of Stars
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The FIFA World Cup’s first-ever halftime show wouldn’t be complete without a conclusion of epic proportions. Thanks to Coldplay and a bunch of extra special guests, we got exactly what we were looking for.
In the spectacular live premiere of their new single, “We Dance,” Coldplay brought the whole world together to celebrate the universal power of love. Together with the PS22 public elementary school chorus from New York City, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Count Von Count, the award-winning band concluded the FIFA halftime show on a colorful note we’ll never forget.
ALSO READ: “Artistahin” ARMYs: These 7 Filipino Celebrities Are Proud BTS Fans, Too
What are your favorite moments from the inaugural FIFA World Cup halftime show? Sound off and share your picks with us in the comments below!
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