The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final introduced its first-ever halftime show, a performance curated by Coldplay‘s Chris Martin. This inaugural event, which featured a diverse lineup of artists, garnered mixed responses from viewers and commentators alike.
The show included performances by Madonna, The Muppets, BTS, Justin Bieber, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and an appearance by Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso. Shakira also performed with guest Burna Boy, and a group of children concluded the show with a song.
Performances and Production
Madonna began her segment in the tunnel before moving onto the field, where she was met with cheers from the crowd. Gustavo Dudamel conducted The Muppets in their rendition of “Seven Nation Army.” Following this, BTS took the stage to sing “Dynamite,” one of their well-known hits.
Ted Lasso then introduced Justin Bieber, who performed “Everything Hallelujah.” Bieber adjusted the lyrics of the ballad to incorporate references to the World Cup. Shakira and Burna Boy delivered the official World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai,” accompanied by backup dancers, which contributed to the energy of the performance.
The show concluded with a group of children, joined by Chris Martin and several other performers, singing about “love” on the field. The entire production was described as short, particularly when compared to Super Bowl halftime show standards.
Reactions to the Halftime Show
The introduction of a halftime show for the World Cup Final drew varied opinions. Some observers compared it favorably to a recent Super Bowl halftime show, noting its energy and clarity, which they felt was in contrast to other performances. Many seemed to believe the show was well-executed, flowed smoothly, and did not extend for too long.
However, not all reactions were positive. The duration of the halftime break was a point of criticism for some, as it reportedly extended to 27 minutes from the end of the first half to the start of the second. This extended break was noted by various commentators.
Former English soccer star Wayne Rooney expressed strong disapproval on a broadcast, describing the performance as “crap.” He stated that he thought the “best part was when it ended” and that despite liking many of the artists involved, he found the show to be “flat” and unengaging, preferring the football to resume.
Similarly, Liam Gallagher shared his thoughts on social media, likening the experience to “a bad trip.” He humorously added that his “spiritual socks” prevented him from being tipped “over the edge” by the entertainment. TV presenter Sam Thompson also voiced his frustration on Instagram, suggesting that a halftime show of this nature was unnecessary for a football game of such significance and that it affected the headspace of those watching.
Despite the mixed reviews, the overall success of the show suggests that a halftime performance may become a regular tradition at the conclusion of future World Cup tournaments. The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final itself was notable for several reasons, including Argentina‘s opportunity to become the first repeat champion since Brazil in 1962, its status as one of the most expensive sporting events, and the culmination of the most attended World Cup in the tournament’s history.
The match between Spain and Argentina was described as lacking excitement in the actual play, with both teams taking time to warm up and struggling to create significant scoring opportunities.
Source: foxnews.com