local
Shakira, Madonna and many Muppets take the World Cup stage, along with BTS and Bieber
By ANDREW DALTON , Associated Press at KGNS — Sitewide
· July 19, 2026
· 4 min read
(AP) - 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 ...
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 Laredo News
The World Cup halftime show's eclectic lineup, featuring Madonna, BTS, and the Muppets, among others, brings to mind the diverse cultural events that Laredo hosts throughout the year. As a city with a rich history of international trade and cultural exchange, Laredo residents are no strangers to vibrant performances that blend different styles and genres. The city's own festivals, such as the Washington's Birthday Celebration, showcase a similar mix of music, dance, and entertainment from around the world. The success of such events in Laredo suggests that the city's residents would appreciate the energy and creativity of the World Cup halftime show. It will be interesting to see if any local events or festivals in Laredo are inspired by the halftime show's format and lineup, potentially incorporating more international performers and themes into their programming.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (AP) - 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 ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by ANDREW DALTON , Associated Press at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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