FIFA staged its first World Cup final half-time show, turning the interval in the Spain–Argentina final into a star-packed music spectacle. The event reflected president Gianni Infantino’s push to make football’s biggest match a broader global entertainment and commercial occasion, although its crowded format drew criticism.

The approximately 11-minute performance at New York New Jersey Stadium featured Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira and Burna Boy, alongside Coldplay, the Muppets, conductor Gustavo Dudamel and a children’s choir. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, it supported the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund; FIFA said more than $50 million had already been raised, including $1 from every World Cup ticket sold.