Justin Bieber, Madonna and Shakira weren't paid for their World Cup half-time performance - this is why
When FIFA organisers pitched a half-time concert in a bid to make the World Cup final an even bigger global entertainment event, spectators were concerned about how much it'd cost.
This was especially the case after it was confirmed that huge-name stars Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, The Muppets, Shakira and many more musicians would be fronting the festivities.
The 'Queen of Pop' kicked things off with a performance of her global hit 'Music', which was packed with dazzling choreography and astounding vocals, before K-pop group BTS belted out their toe-tapping track 'Dynamite'.
Next up was Bieber, who slowed things down with a low-key, acoustic rendition of 'Everything Hallelujah', which he performed with the help of his guitar, followed by Shakira, who certainly brought the energy with a dance performance of the official World Cup anthem, 'Dai Dai'.
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Not everyone was thrilled by the performance, which meant halftime stretched to a staggering 27 minutes. Some critics argued the addition was another sign that the tournament was becoming increasingly commercialised and entertainment-focused in a bid to appeal to American audiences.
Others raised questions over how much the extravagant gig would cost organisers.
As it turns out, however, this year's World Cup headliners weren't paid a penny. That's right, much like the Super Bowl's half-time show, performers didn't receive any financial reimbursement for their time.
According to The Athletic, an inside source confirmed that, as opposed to receiving any payment, this year's performers donated their time to raising awareness of the social justice organisation Global Citizen.
It's an initiative that FIFA and Global Citizen are jointly fronting, aimed at providing children around the world with both educational and football opportunities by raising $100million to expand access to all nations.
"As the world comes together for the biggest match in football, this historic show will also shine a light on a greater purpose by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our shared mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said while announcing the decision to go ahead with a concert.
"It will be a celebration of football, unity and shared humanity that will resonate far beyond the final whistle."
Bieber, one of the performers, added at the time: "The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can. I’m grateful to be part of this half-time show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world."
World Cup final halftime show artists ranked by their net worth
FIFA has put on an absolutely packed halftime show, with Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS co-headlining.
But onto the most important question: whose bank account is the healthiest…?
Here they are, ranked from very rich to very, very, very rich.
Gustavo Dudamel - $10 million
One of the lesser-known faces in the halftime show, Dudamel is a conductor and violinist who is leaving the Los Angeles Philharmonic for the New York Philharmonic in September.
Long story short, he’s not the kind of guy you’d expect to perform alongside Shakira and Justin Bieber.
According to Sportskeeda, he’s worth $10 million.
Burna Boy - $22 million
The Afrobeats artist has collaborated with Ed Sheeran, Dave and Shakira on hit songs, the latter being the 2026 World Cup anthem ‘Dai Dai’.
He’s worth a cool $22 million, according to Love Money.
BTS - $150 million to $350 million collectively
Recently back from a hiatus after completing compulsory military service, the K-pop group’s inclusion in the halftime show is sure to delight many.
Of the seven members, V is said to be the wealthiest, worth between $38 million and 40 million according to the Economic Times.
Collectively, they’re worth between $150 million and $350 million.
Justin Bieber - $200 million
Bieber made a generational comeback earlier this year at Coachella, marking his biggest live show in four years - and it certainly got everyone talking.
Is the World Cup ready for his laptop and YouTube Premium account?
He’s worth $200 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, which happens to be the sum he sold his music back catalogue for back in 2023.
Shakira - $350 million
Her hips don’t lie, and neither do her paycheques. Shakira is the most successful Colombian artist in history, shifting over 100 million records worldwide.
Alongside Burna Boy, she’s responsible for the 2026 World Cup song ‘Dai Dai’, and who could forget 2010’s ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ for the South Africa World Cup.
She’s said to be worth $350 million, according to Marca.
Madonna - $850 million
Madonna is one of the wealthiest female musicians in history, with her latest album Confessions II dropping this month and naturally debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
With hits including ‘Like a Prayer’, ‘Papa Don’t Preach’ and ‘Like a Virgin’, it’s no surprise she’s absolutely rolling in it - she’s worth $850 million, according to Forbes.
Topics: Celebrity, Justin Bieber, Shakira, US News, World Cup
Rhianna Benson