Madonna, Bieber, Ghetto Kids and Brazilian legends light up extended 2026 final break as FIFA’s bold entertainment twist sparks mixed reactions

Nigerian global star Burna Boy delivered a standout performance on football’s biggest stage as FIFA rolled out its first-ever World Cup final halftime show, transforming the 2026 showpiece into a full-blown entertainment spectacle.

Sharing the spotlight with Colombian icon Shakira, Burna Boy thrilled fans at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with a high-energy rendition of the tournament’s official anthem, “Dai, Dai,” during the interval of the final between Spain and Argentina.

The duo, who had earlier performed at the opening ceremony, returned with added flair—this time joined by Uganda’s viral dance troupe, the Ghetto Kids, whose electrifying choreography elevated the historic moment.

The halftime show, curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, stretched to 27 minutes and 19 seconds—well beyond FIFA’s traditional 15-minute break—marking a significant shift in how the global football body packages its flagship event.

Music royalty Madonna opened the halftime entertainment immediately after the first half ended goalless, while pop star Justin Bieber followed with a stripped-down acoustic performance of “Everything Hallelujah.”

Adding to the spectacle, Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho drove onto the pitch to roaring applause, delighting fans despite Brazil’s earlier exit from the tournament.

While the groundbreaking show dazzled audiences, it also stirred debate across the football world. Critics and pundits questioned whether the extended break and entertainment format could disrupt the rhythm of the game.

Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo welcomed the innovation but urged caution. “I’d love to see more of it, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the flow and timing of the game,” he said.

Former England striker Ian Wright offered a lighter take, joking about Ronaldinho’s oversized tracksuit, while Roy Keane admitted the spectacle fell short of expectations, calling it “a bit of an anti-climax”—though he praised Shakira’s presence.

Despite divided opinions, FIFA’s bold experiment signals a new era where sport and entertainment collide on the world’s grandest stage—with Burna Boy firmly at the heart of that historic moment.