"This performance that will live on forever": Shakira pens heartfelt note after FIFA World Cup 2026 final halftime show
New Jersey, July 20
Colombian singer Shakira has shared an emotional message after headlining the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime show, thanking her team and fellow performers for helping make the performance a memorable one.
The Grammy-winning singer took to Instagram after her performance at the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at tNew Jersey, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift the trophy.
Sharing her gratitude, Shakira wrote, "Thank you @ghettokids_tfug , @burnaboygram , social media participants, and my whole team for being there for me for this performance that will live on forever"
The 49-year-old singer energised the packed stadium with a lively rendition of 'Dai Dai', the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem. Shakira was joined by Burna Boy, with whom she had earlier performed the FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem during the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City last month.
The halftime show also featured performances by Madonna, BTS and Justin Bieber, entertaining thousands of fans gathered for football's biggest event.
Hollywood star Tom Cruise captivated a packed stadium and millions of viewers with an emotional address ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina, celebrating the tournament's global spirit and football's unique ability to unite people across borders. Standing at the centre of the pre-match ceremony, Cruise reflected on the month-long event that brought together 48 nations across three host countries.
Among the celebrities spotted at the FIFA World Cup final were Matt Damon and wife Luciana, Jay-Z and Beyonce, Rihanna and ASAP Rocky, David Beckham and wife Victoria, Timothee Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Austin Butler, Serena Williams, Pharrell Williams, Javier Bardem, Jon Hamm, Odessa A'zion, Scott Eastwood, Mr. Beast, Adrien Brody, Trevor Noah, Richard Gere, among others.
Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at MetLife Stadium, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to secure La Roja's second World Cup title.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The halftime show was amazing but I was more moved by Tom Cruise's speech. Football really does unite people across borders - as an Indian who loves the sport, it's heartwarming to see such global spirit. Also, Spain deserved the win, they played beautifully. 🇮🇳⚽
I wish they had included more diverse performers from the host countries too. Canada, USA, Mexico have amazing talents that could have showcased local culture. Shakira is iconic, no doubt, but the lineup felt very 'safe' and Western-centric. Still, 'Dai Dai' is a banger! 🎵
I'm admittedly not a huge Shakira fan, but her halftime show was electric. The energy she brought was infectious. And as someone who lived in New Jersey for years, seeing MetLife Stadium packed like that gave me chills. Football is truly the world's game. 🌍
Was anyone else disappointed that they didn't have a moment of silence or tribute to the workers who built these stadiums? The construction workers in Qatar 2022 got a lot of attention, but here too many migrant workers deserve recognition. Anyway, great performance by Shakira nonetheless.
Spain vs Argentina final was tense! Ferran Torres scoring in extra time - what a moment. And Shakira's performance was perfect for such a big occasion. As an Indian football fan, I'm just happy the sport is growing globally. Need more Asian representation in future World Cups though!
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.