The 2026 World Cup in North America brought a distinctly American tradition to the global football stage: a blockbuster stadium halftime show.
MetLife Stadium hosted the rare mid-match spectacle, turning the traditional football format into a massive entertainment event.
International pop stars Justin Bieber and Shakira anchored the performances, raking in massive sums for their appearances.
Eight-Figure Payouts for Pop Royalty
Justin Bieber faced notable criticism from fans following his weekend performance.
Spectators questioned his setlist, noting that the slow-tempo song choices dampened the crowd’s energy during the highly anticipated halftime break.
Despite the backlash, the pop star likely remains unbothered. According to the Mirror, Bieber pocketed a massive £12 million for his brief time on the pitch.
A massive crowd gathered inside the stadium for the live entertainment spectacle.
Shakira, no stranger to massive football tournaments, pulled double duty for the 2026 event.
The Colombian superstar performed at both the opening ceremony and the MetLife halftime show.
Her extended involvement earned her an impressive £15 million from tournament organizers.
The Beckhams Quietly Cash In
While the musicians dominated the broadcast, a retired football icon quietly out-earned them both.
Former England captain David Beckham reportedly secured a staggering £19 million from the tournament.
Beckham’s enduring marketability in the United States remains unmatched. His previous playing career with the LA Galaxy and his current ownership stake in Inter Miami—the MLS club where Lionel Messi now plays—have cemented him as the primary face of American soccer.
The financial windfall also extended to the next generation of the Beckham family.
Brooklyn Beckham capitalized on the tournament’s momentum, earning around £1 million for starring in a World Cup-themed commercial for DoorDash.
