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Shakira, Madonna and many Muppets take the World Cup stage, along with BTS and Bieber
Summary by The Midland Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by ANDREW DALTON , Associated Press , KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS)
· July 19, 2026
· 4 min read
(AP) - 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 ...
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 Midland
The World Cup halftime show's eclectic mix of performers, from Madonna to BTS, may seem like a distant spectacle to Midland residents, but its impact can be felt closer to home. The show's emphasis on international collaboration and celebration of diverse cultures resonates with the Permian Basin's own rich cultural heritage. As a community that prides itself on its warm hospitality and welcoming nature, Midlanders can appreciate the value of bringing people together through music and sports. Moreover, the show's inclusion of elementary-school students from Staten Island in the finale serves as a reminder that community engagement and youth development are essential components of any successful event. As Midland continues to host its own community events and festivals, organizers can draw inspiration from the World Cup's ability to unite people from different backgrounds and age groups, fostering a sense of community and shared excitement that can be felt throughout the city.
About this story
Original reporting by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . The Midland 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 KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (AP) - 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 ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS) and curated for The Midland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by ANDREW DALTON , Associated Press at KOSA CBS7 / First Alert 7 (Permian Basin CBS). To learn more about how The Midland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Midland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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