The extended break hasn’t impressed everyone
People have reacted with surprise and fury after the World Cup Final was transformed into a showbiz extravaganza at half time.
With the final between Spain and Argentina goaless, the pitch at the MetLife Stadium in New York was transformed into a stage and suddenly the rather drab first half became a distant memory.
Madonna, Justin Bieber and even Kermit the Frog were among the performers – but online not everyone was impressed.
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BBC pundit and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney told millions of TV viewers: “I like a lot of those artists but I thought it was crap. I did, honestly, it just didn’t get me going, I wanted the football to come back on.”
The best moment was ‘when it finished’, he said.
Liam Gallagher also weighed in, tweeting: “This is like a bad trip.” He added later: “It’s a good job I’ve got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge.”
He did seem to enjoy Bieber, though, saying “Justin rules”.
Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin curated the half-time show and assembled a star-studded cast of co-headliners. Shakira and Burna Boy, who co-wrote the anthem for this World Cup, will both feature.
And there is also time in the jam-packed show for pop legends Madonna and Justin Bieber, K-pop sensations BTS and Venezuelan orchestra conductor Gustavo Dudamel, of the prestigious New York Philharmonic, to perform.
The reaction was also rather spiky online. “Actually the half time show was more fun than the game,” said one poster on X while another said: “Absolute pants..terrible show, football doesn’t do half time shows. Football has 15mins to get to the loo, grab a snack & drink.. bum back on seat, so simple.”
The organisers were turning the spectacle ‘into the Super Bowl’, said another.
While FIFA’s decision to allow this year’s final to have an extended half time interval caused controversy – and broke rules – it has been brought in to allow a huge roster and music talent entertain the MetLife Stadium crowd and the millions watching at home.
And before the action between the sides got underway, the likes of Post Malone put on an energetic show. However, IShowSpeed’s efforts divided fans, with some questioning if he was really singing live.
Argentina and Spain will fight it out to be crowned world champions – but many tuned in to see the music talent at work. With an impressive closing ceremony planned, the extended half-time show is also eagerly anticipated.
Despite breaking rules, FIFA said: “Echoing the spirit of the opening ceremonies, which welcomed the world to the greatest stage in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the closing ceremony will bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 full circle through music, culture and football, before we kick off the highly anticipated match that will crown the champions of this groundbreaking tournament.”
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