DARK SECRETS: 4 | Vintage Vibes

The Cure's Robert Smith blasts Chris Martin's World Cup halftime show featuring Madonna and Justin Bieber

Robert Smith has slammed the Chris Martin‑curated World Cup halftime show, joining Noel Gallagher in mocking FIFA’s star‑studded plans.

BANG Premier · Jul 17

Hits don’t lie! Shakira’s 20 best songs, from World Cup anthems to megastar duets – ranked!

As the Colombian pop supremo prepares to perform at Sunday’s final, we rate her greatest work, including gossipy takedowns and lycanthropic lyrics

The Guardian - UK · Jul 16

‘A sublime, breezy confection’: writers on their 2026 songs of the summer

The annual rundown of Guardian writers picking their most played tracks of the season goes from club-ready pop to sunny tech house

The Guardian - US · Jul 16

Events boss defends Fifa over extended World Cup half-time show

Fifa has said the show, featuring artists such as Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber, will last 11 minutes at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday

The Independent UK · Jul 15

World Cup final half-time show: Who is performing, how long will it take and how can I watch it?

The finale will feature a half-time show with some of the biggest names in music, including Madonna, Shakira and BTS

The Independent UK · Jul 15

ITV reveals broadcast plan for World Cup final and half-time show

It was suggested the half-time line-up might break Fifa’s rules by extending the interval from a typical 15 minutes to up to 25 minutes

The Independent UK · Jul 15

FIFA World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony Performers: From Tom Cruise, Madonna to BTS here's the A-Star list set to light up New Jersey on July 19

FIFA World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony: The biggest football tournament in history is about to sign off in equally massive fashion. The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will feature an unprecedented halftime show. Global music icons like Madonna and BTS will perform during the interval. A pre-match ceremony will include…

The Economic Times · Jul 15

Shakira Calls on World Leaders to Help Venezuelan Children as Global Education Campaign Expands

Global superstar Shakira has joined the growing international effort to support children affected by Venezuela's devastating humanitarian crisis, urging world leaders to help fund education as the country begins the long road to recovery.

Latin Times · Jul 13

Justin Bieber to join Madonna, Shakira and BTS for Fifa World Cup final half-time show

Fifa has declared that ‘football, music and social impact will come together’

Evening Standard · Jul 11

Ellie Goulding to perform during England v Norway World Cup quarter-final

‘Baby’ singer Justin Bieber, Madonna, Coldplay and Nigerian artist Burna Boy are on the bill for the final half-time performance

The Independent UK · Jul 10