local
Shakira, Madonna and many Muppets take the World Cup stage, along with BTS and Bieber
By Andrew Dalton, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 19, 2026
· 4 min read
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 an att...
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 Piney Point
Piney Point Village residents tuning in to the World Cup festivities may have caught a glimpse of the high-energy performances, but what's notable for local soccer enthusiasts is the potential boost this event could bring to the sport's popularity in the Houston area. With international stars like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho making appearances, the World Cup's appeal can transcend traditional soccer fans and attract new followers. This could have a ripple effect on local youth soccer programs and community leagues, potentially leading to increased participation and investment in the sport. As the Houston area continues to grow and diversify, events like the World Cup can help foster a sense of community and shared excitement around soccer, which could have long-term benefits for local parks, recreation centers, and sports facilities. With its strong international presence, Houston is well-positioned to capitalize on the World Cup's momentum and build a stronger soccer culture.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? 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 an att...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Andrew Dalton, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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