On Sunday, July 19, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a high-energy musical medley marked the first-ever halftime show at a World Cup final. Organizers billed the event as the single largest gathering of artists united for a cause since Live Aid.
The 11-minute extravaganza featured a whirlwind performance by superstars Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Shakira, who each brought a bit of one of their hits to the show. The lineup also included Burna Boy, Coldplay, and Gustavo Dudamel, along with appearances by Ted Lasso and many Muppets.
Madonna opened the performance with her 2000 dance-pop hit Music, joined by former Brazilian soccer stars Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.