Madonna, 67, and Shakira, 49, lead the World Cup half-time show and everyone is saying the same thing
Madonna proved once again this evening why she remains one of the biggest performers in the world, leaving fans stunned by her high-energy World Cup appearance.
The 'Queen of Pop' took over the stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup's first-ever half-time show with a performance packed with iconic moments, dazzling choreography and the kind of confidence that has defined her decades-long career.
Social media was quickly flooded with reactions from viewers who couldn’t believe her age-defying energy, with many wondering exactly how old - or, seemingly, young - she really is.
Opening with her global hit 'Music', Madonna delivered an iconic spectacle before welcoming two of the sport’s biggest legends, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, for a surprise appearance.
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The Brazilian sporting icons joined the pop icon in a crossover moment that blended football prowess with music royalty, driving her into the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey - known during the tournament as the New York New Jersey Stadium - in a tiny car.
However, the biggest point doesn't seem to have been the attackers that accompanied the singer, but Madonna's complete absence of any physical signs of ageing.
Oh, yeah, in case you weren't aware, the 'Vogue' superstar is 67 years old.
"Madonna at 67 years old gave the most entertaining halftime show of the World Cup; now imagine if they had given her the full show," one X user gushed.
Another teased: "Madonna is 67 years old omm she’s drinking baby blood."
"I love how Madonna could have been the closing act, yet she decided to be the first female artist to ever step to perform on the halftime show of the @FIFAWorldCup in history," a third continued. "The undisputed queen of pop."
It's not just Madonna whose age has set tongues wagging, but her half-time show co-star Shakira.
The 49-year-old performed the tournament's official anthem 'Dai Dai' along with Burna Boy at the midway point between Argentina and Spain's nail-biting game, along with Justin Bieber, BTS, The Muppets, and more.
Her appearance has long been considered one of the most anticipated of the night, with the 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' singer returning to the World Cup stage 16 years after performing the tournament's iconic 2010 anthem.
Commenting on her ability to twist, shake, shimmy and grind after almost three decades in the industry, one social media user asked: "Shakira doesnt age. What is her secret?"
Another gushed: "I was a kid when I first saw shakira in the 2014 world cup and she still looks the same in 2026."
Someone else added: "Serious question. Does Shakira age? And if so is it backwards?"
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.
Rhianna Benson