Spain face Argentina in World Cup final as half-time show runs over 27 minutes

· SportsEntertainment USAESPARG
This story has developed since this wire. Read the latest wire

Spain met Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, with U.S. President Donald Trump in attendance at MetLife Stadium after the entertainment lineup for the tournament's conclusion was finalised.

The half-time spectacle, curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin on what was billed as the largest stage ever built for such an event, ultimately ran to 27 minutes and 25 seconds. Madonna, 67, opened with a pre-recorded segment of "Music" alongside football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, while Gustavo Dudamel conducted an orchestral rendition of "Seven Nation Army" joined by the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. BTS performed "Dynamite" in red, Justin Bieber delivered an acoustic set, and Shakira and Burna Boy performed tournament anthem "Dai Dai" with dancers including the Ghetto Kids.

Coldplay also performed with the PS 22 Chorus during the show, which FIFA president Gianni Infantino called a "groundbreaking spectacle" supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund's $100 million fundraising target.

Story development

  1. Spain win World Cup final as Shakira leads record-breaking halftime show
  2. First World Cup half-time show runs over schedule as Madonna, Bieber and Shakira take the stage
  3. Spain face Argentina in World Cup final as half-time show runs over 27 minutes
  4. World Cup final half-time extended to accommodate star-studded Super Bowl-style show

Related stories