Shakira shines as reactions split over Bieber
FIFA made history by bringing a Super Bowl-style halftime show to the 2026 World Cup Final, blending soccer with a star-studded music lineup. Some performances quickly won widespread praise, while others sparked lively debate among fans watching around the world.
From memorable stage moments to the biggest post-show reactions, the event became almost as talked about as the championship itself. Here’s a closer look at the performances that had everyone talking.
Shakira returns to the World Cup spotlight
Shakira performed “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Burna Boy during the halftime show. The appearance continued her long association with FIFA tournaments after earlier performances connected to the 2006, 2010, and 2014 World Cups.
Her performance generated widespread online discussion, with many viewers highlighting her stage presence and energetic choreography shortly after the broadcast concluded. The performance also supported FIFA’s partnership with the Global Citizen Education Fund through the tournament’s official music campaign.
Fans respond positively to Shakira’s performance
Shakira became a major focus of post-show discussion after performing “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy during the World Cup Final halftime show. Many reactions and entertainment reports highlighted her energetic stage presence and long connection to FIFA World Cup music.
Coverage after the broadcast also noted that her appearance helped drive conversation around the historic halftime show. Her return gave the event one of its clearest links between World Cup tradition and global pop culture.
Justin Bieber’s performance draws varied reactions
Justin Bieber performed an acoustic version of “Everything Hallelujah” during the historic halftime show at New York New Jersey Stadium. He adapted the closing lyric to reference the FIFA World Cup, creating a unique moment within the production.
Online reactions were mixed after the broadcast, with some viewers appreciating the intimate performance while others felt its slower pace contrasted with the show’s energetic atmosphere. Several entertainment outlets highlighted the performance as one of the most debated segments from the evening.
Different musical styles shaped the show
The halftime show featured a wide range of musical performances designed to appeal to global audiences watching the World Cup Final. Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Burna Boy, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin all contributed different styles within the 11-minute production.
Shakira delivered an upbeat performance alongside Burna Boy, while Bieber performed a solo acoustic number that contrasted with the surrounding acts. The variety reflected FIFA’s goal of blending football, music, and international entertainment into one broadcast.
Shakira continues her World Cup legacy
Shakira strengthened her long-standing connection with FIFA by appearing in another major World Cup production during the tournament finale. Her return followed memorable performances associated with previous World Cups, making her one of the artists most closely linked with football’s biggest event.
The 2026 halftime appearance reunited her with Burna Boy to perform “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official song. Their performance served as the musical conclusion to a campaign that began during the opening ceremony in Mexico City.
Packed lineup kept viewers watching
The inaugural FIFA World Cup Final halftime show featured numerous international stars performing in rapid succession during an approximately 11-minute broadcast. The production included Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Burna Boy, orchestral musicians, children’s performers, and surprise celebrity appearances.
Because several acts shared limited stage time, reviewers noted that each artist performed only a brief segment. Even so, the show’s scale helped generate extensive discussion across sports and entertainment media after the final ended.
Social media compared headline performances
Shakira and Justin Bieber became central figures in the post-show conversation after the halftime show concluded. Coverage often contrasted Shakira’s upbeat “Dai Dai” performance with Bieber’s acoustic version of “Everything Hallelujah.”
The discussion reflected different audience preferences rather than a single consensus. Some coverage praised Bieber’s intimate performance, while other reactions focused on the slower song choice and the show’s uneven pacing.
The show supported a broader FIFA initiative
Beyond entertainment, the halftime show promoted the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which supports access to education and football opportunities for children worldwide.
FIFA pledged that $1 from every FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket sold would support the initiative as it works toward its $100 million fundraising goal. By the time of the final, the campaign had raised approximately $60 million.
Shakira closed her tournament journey
Shakira’s halftime appearance completed a full-circle moment after performing “Dai Dai” during the opening ceremony in Mexico City weeks earlier. She reunited with Burna Boy to perform the tournament’s official song before a global television audience during the championship match.
The performance connected the beginning and conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the same musical theme. FIFA described Shakira and Burna Boy as completing the journey by bringing “Dai Dai” back to the halftime stage.
Limited stage time became a major talking point
Although the halftime show featured several internationally recognized artists, each performer appeared for only a brief segment during the approximately 11-minute production. Reviews noted that the crowded lineup left little opportunity for individual performances to develop beyond a few minutes.
Commentary after the event focused on pacing as much as the musical performances themselves. Several outlets suggested the compressed format limited what each artist could showcase.
Reviews highlighted contrasting audience reactions
Shakira’s energetic performance received widespread praise from many viewers and entertainment outlets following the halftime show.
Justin Bieber’s acoustic rendition of “Everything Hallelujah” prompted more mixed reactions, with some praising his vocals while others felt the slower performance contrasted with the show’s high-energy format. Much of the discussion centered on differences in musical style rather than performance quality.
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A landmark show leaves a lasting impression
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final halftime show marked a historic milestone by bringing a Super Bowl-style production to soccer’s biggest championship for the first time. FIFA assembled internationally recognized artists to celebrate football, music, and cultural unity before a global television audience.
The event generated extensive discussion because of its ambitious format, celebrity lineup, and varied public reactions. Regardless of individual opinions, the production established a new chapter in FIFA’s World Cup entertainment history.
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What did you think of the World Cup Final halftime show? Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you enjoyed this slideshow, don’t forget to like it and share it with fellow soccer and music fans!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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