Madonna, BTS and Justin Bieber Headline Star-Studded World Cup Halftime and Closing Ceremonies

The World Cup halftime show featured an eclectic lineup of international superstars performing across the stadium pitch. Madonna opened the spectacle with her 2000 dance-pop single “Music,” arriving via dune buggy after a pre-recorded roller rink segment alongside former Brazilian soccer legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. The performance drew crowds with the opening lyric “Music, makes the people come together.”

Venezuelan maestro Gustavo Dudamel conducted an orchestra through the White Stripes’ sports anthem “Seven Nation Army,” accompanied by characters from “The Muppets” dancing on the field. South Korean pop sensation BTS followed moments later in red and black attire, delivering their 2020 hit “Dynamite” to enthusiastic crowds.

The halftime performance continued with characters from the television series “Ted Lasso” introducing Justin Bieber, who performed the slower ballad “Everything Hallelujah.” Burna Boy and Shakira then took the stage together to perform “Dai Dai,” the official anthem that preceded all 104 tournament kickoffs. The 11-minute show, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, concluded with elementary-school students from PS22 Chorus in Staten Island.

Tom Cruise delivered remarks at the closing ceremony preceding Sunday’s final, addressing the two remaining nations. “Today only two teams remain: España! y Argentina!” the actor proclaimed, calling for celebration of a tournament that united the world. Cruise previously appeared at the Paris Olympics’ closing ceremony.

Jennifer Hudson, the EGOT-winning performer and talk show host, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” in a white suit trimmed with patriotic colors, performing a cappella before joining with a brass band. British singer Robbie Williams, formerly of Take That, performed his FIFA anthem “Desire” in a blue bedazzled track suit alongside Pussycat Dolls member Nicole Scherzinger and Italian singer Laura Pausini in matching spangled gowns.

Post Malone took the stage on a hexagon-laden platform beneath a New York skyline projection, premiering his new song “Chrome Heartbreaker” before reuniting with Swae Lee to perform their 2018 collaboration “Sunflower.” IShowSpeed opened the closing ceremony with his World Cup-themed composition “Champions,” performed atop an Empire State Building image.

Spain’s national anthem was performed instrumentally by Spanish Brass, while Argentina’s “Himno Nacional Argentino” was sung by pop star María Becerra in a flowing dress inspired by the Argentine flag. Most national anthems had been recorded throughout the tournament but were performed live for the championship match.