World Cup Final Show
Spain and Argentina face off in a World Cup final featuring a major halftime spectacle.
July 19, 2026 · Updated Jul 19, 8:49pm ET
Rolling StoneHow to Watch Justin Bieber, BTS, Madonna, and Shakira's World Cup Final Halftime Show for Free
NPRA cavalcade of international stars headlined the World Cup's first-ever halftime final show
FOX NewsFirst World Cup halftime show draws mixed reactions for Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, Madonna performances
TIME MagazineThe World Cup's First Halftime Show Did Too Much and Meant Too Little
Chicago Sun-TimesChicagoans turn out to watch Argentina vs. Spain in World Cup final
Breitbart NewsWATCH: Argentina, Spain Fans Swarm Times Square Ahead of World Cup Final
The GuardianPatience beats overreliance on Messi: how the final was won and lost
ABC NewsSpain vs. Argentina World Cup final a very high-priced ticket to watch Messi and Yamal
RedStateRedState Sports Report: The Spanish Armada Dominates Argentina
New York MagazineThe Blockbuster Final That Caps Off a Triumphant World Cup
Associated PressLionel Messi once held baby Lamine Yamal in his arms. Now they will battle for the World Cup title
The AtlanticWhat Lionel Messi Sees
BBC NewsShakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS perform at World Cup half-time show
WiredFIFA’s World Cup Halftime Show Puts American-Style Spectacle on the World Stage
Christian Science MonitorAs Argentina and Spain prepare to face off, all eyes on the arcs of their superstars
SlateI Didn’t Know How Badly I Needed That World Cup Finale
SalonThe American World Cup: Messi lost, but the Muppets sang
50%
Left · 11
36%
Center · 8
14%
Right · 3
Pano rates the coverage Mostly Left.
What happened
Spain defeated defending champion Argentina in extra time at New York New Jersey Stadium, denying Lionel Messi
Lionel MessiArgentine association football player (born 1987) a repeat title in his last World Cup final appearance. The match paired Messi, 39, with Spain’s Lamine Yamal
Lamine YamalSpanish association football player (born 2007), 19, nearly two decades after a 2007 UNICEF photo shoot showed a 20-year-old Messi holding the infant Yamal. The game was 0-0 at halftime before Spain’s possession approach took control, while FIFA’s first World Cup final halftime show featured Madonna
MadonnaAmerican singer, songwriter, and actress (born 1958), Shakira
ShakiraColombian singer-songwriter (born 1977), Justin Bieber, BTS, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the Muppets.
