History of Halftime show in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 23, 2026

Halftime shows are performances during breaks in sporting events. Commonly held between the first and second halves, or the second and third quarters. Sports with irregular divisions or lacking extended stoppages typically don't have halftime shows. While hockey games have two intermissions, major games like the Winter Classic sometimes feature entertainment similar to halftime shows during the second intermission.

February 1, 2004: Justin Timberlake exposes Janet Jackson's breast during Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show

On February 1, 2004, during the live halftime show for Super Bowl XXXVIII, Justin Timberlake exposed Janet Jackson's right breast in what was later called a "wardrobe malfunction". The incident was seen by millions of viewers.

September 28, 2024: FIFA announces Global Citizen to co-produce 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show

On September 28, 2024, FIFA announced that Global Citizen would co-produce a halftime show for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, marking the first halftime show in the history of the FIFA World Cup.

2024: Shakira performs at the Copa América halftime show

In 2024, Colombian singer Shakira performed in the halftime show during the Copa América final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

2026: First halftime show in FIFA World Cup history

In 2026, the FIFA World Cup will feature its first-ever halftime show, co-produced by Global Citizen, during the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as announced on September 28, 2024.