Overview
- Pre-match events and a star-studded interval converted the final stadium into a concert stage with an organized halftime spectacle.
- The live musical core ran about 11 minutes while the total break between halves lasted roughly 27 minutes (reported as 27:23), the longest halftime pause in World Cup history.
- Performers and appearances included Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, Shakira, Coldplay collaborators, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, Burna Boy and Muppet characters alongside football icons Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
- The show was curated by Coldplay singer Chris Martin on behalf of FIFA and co-produced with Global Citizen as a fundraiser for children's education.
- Television pundits and analysts warned the extended pause could disrupt match rhythm, raise injury risk for players and deepen concerns about commercialization and high ticket prices for marquee football events.