Context:

A star-studded World Cup final halftime show featured Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber, joined by Burna Boy and football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, delivering a 27-minute spectacle that became the longest in World Cup history. The event, part of a closing ceremony that also included Jennifer Hudson and Tom Cruise, drew global attention amid controversy over its unusually lengthy duration and a 15-minute stoppage rule. Big-name cameos from Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Beyoncé and Jay-Z amplified its carnival atmosphere, while some critics—like former England captain Wayne Rooney—panned the performance. The show showcased a mix of pop and sport crossover, signaling a high-profile, global-pop moment even as reactions were mixed and audiences awaited what comes next.

Dive Deeper:

• Madonna opened in a tunnel-like entrance and performed with football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, while Shakira performed alongside Burna Boy, reigniting their collaboration from the opening ceremony.

• BTS marked their return from a three-year hiatus to complete South Korea's mandatory military service, performing amid a stadium dressed in vibrant colors and fireworks.

• The halftime set stretched to 27 minutes 22 seconds, the longest in World Cup history, sparking debate given Ifab’s 15-minute stoppage guideline.

• A slew of celebrities attended, including Kylie Jenner with Timothee Chalamet and power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z, underscoring the event’s global crossover appeal.

• Earlier in the closing ceremony, Jennifer Hudson performed the US national anthem, Tom Cruise spoke to the crowd, and other performers like Post Malone, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini took the stage.

• Feedback was mixed, with some viewers and analysts criticizing the show’s length or execution, while others praised the spectacle and star power driving global engagement.