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Shakira, Madonna and many Muppets take the World Cup stage, along with BTS and Bieber
By Andrew Dalton, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 19, 2026
· 4 min read
Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira each brought a bit of one of their hits to the World Cup's first halftime show in a whirlwind performance Sunday that also squeezed in Burna Boy, Ted Lasso and many Muppets. The show at what's otherwise known as MetLife Stadium, outside New York, was an att...
Key takeaway Madonna opened the show with her 2000 dance-pop hit “Music,” joined by star Brazilian soccer players of yesteryear, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio 's vibrant cultural scene, known for its eclectic mix of music and art, might be inspired by the diverse performances at the World Cup halftime and closing ceremonies. The inclusion of K-pop sensations BTS, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and a chorus of elementary-school students from Staten Island, showcases the universal language of music. This blend of international talent could influence local event organizers to incorporate more diverse acts into their lineups, potentially attracting a broader audience to San Antonio's festivals and concerts. Additionally, the city's own rich cultural heritage, with its blend of Latin American and American influences, could be showcased on a global stage, much like the World Cup's celebration of international unity through music and sports. As San Antonio continues to grow as a cultural hub, it will be interesting to see how local event planners draw inspiration from global events like the World Cup.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira each brought a bit of one of their hits to the World Cup's first halftime show in a whirlwind performance Sunday that also squeezed in Burna Boy, Ted Lasso and many Muppets. The show at what's otherwise known as MetLife Stadium, outside New York, was an att...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Andrew Dalton, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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