# A very Infantino-coded show

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/a-very-infantino-coded-show/
- Published: 2026-07-19T20:29:59+00:00
- Updated: 2026-08-01T06:13:49+00:00
- Original publisher: Politico (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/07/19/world-cup-2026/halftime-show-infantino-shakira-bieber-madonna-bts-01004582
- Topics: Entertainment, Football, Music, Politics, Sport

## Key points

- FIFA debuted a celebrity-filled World Cup final half-time show.
- The 11-minute performance featured major global music acts.
- It supported an education fund but prompted criticism.

## Summary

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.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.