Justin Bieber and Madonna Go Full *Super Bowl Mode* at World Cup Halftime (Because Why Not?)

In a move as predictable as a Kardashian post, the FIFA World Cup Final cranked the halftime show up to eleven. It was a musical buffet of icons, starting with Madonna and a couple of Brazilian soccer legends—because who doesn’t love a little footwork in between goals? Then, just when you thought they couldn’t get more nostalgic, a Sesame Street gang showed up to lead a chant of The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army. Nothing says ‘epic’ like childhood memories mixed with soccer, am I right?

But hold on, it gets better. BTS didn’t just make an appearance; they took over the field with Dynamite like they were born for it. Cue the screams, I guess. And for some inexplicable reason, Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt from Ted Lasso popped out to give Justin Bieber a pep talk. Apparently, they thought he needed the encouragement, which is charmingly misguided. Jason went with the classic motivational line: “Don’t be envious. Nobody’s watching. Make us proud.” Because nothing says ‘you’re going to crush it’ like reminding someone that no one cares.

Bieber then decided to bless us with Everything Hallelujah, which was nice… I think? Finally, the show wrapped up with Shakira and Burna Boy performing Dai Dai, the official song of this World Cup. Because clearly, an epic sporting event requires the catchiest of tunes.

Overall, it was all a bit over-the-top. But, you know, good for them.

—Kit