The bigger picture around it
Madonna’s slot is part of an 11-minute show curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, produced in partnership with Global Citizen, Live Nation and Done + Dusted. She’s sharing the stage with Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS, along with appearances from Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and New York’s PS22 Choir performing with Coldplay. It is the first time a World Cup final has featured a dedicated first-half show of this scale, breaking with nearly a century of tradition at the tournament.
The performance also supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative that aims to raise $100 million to expand access to education and soccer for children around the world.
A historic moment for Madonna
This marks Madonna’s first World Cup appearance, although not her first major half-time stage. She previously headlined the Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show in 2012, giving one of the most watched performances of that event. Landing the World Cup slot more than a decade later adds another chapter to a career built on reinventing himself for whatever stage he’s been through.
A personal touch from Chris Martin
Fans inside the stadium were each given a banner with a handwritten note from Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who curated the entire show: “Thank you for being a vital part of the first FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final show. With love, Chris Martin Coldplay.”
Where the match lies
Football itself remains deadlocked at 0-0 at the start of the second half. Spain dominated the opening 45 minutes with 64 percent possession and several clear chances, including efforts from Mikel Oyarzabal and Marc Cucurella, but Argentina’s defense and Emiliano Martinez held firm. Argentina picked up an injury concern late in the first half, with Lisandro Martinez forced off and replaced by Nicolas Otamendi after picking up a yellow card.
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