FIFA World Cup final halftime show draws mixed reactions over length and content
The inaugural halftime performance at the World Cup final, featuring Madonna, BTS, Shakira and others, lasted over 27 minutes, prompting criticism for exceeding the sport’s 15-minute limit and sparking debate among fans and former players.
A 27-minute-long halftime show opened the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, marking the tournament’s first such entertainment segment. The program began with Madonna performing her 2000 hit “Music” alongside Brazilian World Cup winners Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, followed by a collaboration between The Muppets and conductor Gustavo Dudamel on “Seven Nation Army.” K-pop group BTS delivered “Dynamite,” while Jason Sudeikis appeared as the fictional coach Ted Lasso and Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard. Justin Bieber sang an acoustic rendition of “Everything Hallelujah,” and Shakira performed the World Cup anthem “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy. The finale featured Coldplay accompanied by a children’s choir.
The extended break delayed the match’s restart, exceeding the International Football Association Board’s rule that halftime should not surpass 15 minutes. Reactions on social media were polarized. Some users condemned the length, posting memes that likened the spectacle to a “massacre” of the sport, while others praised the variety, calling it superior to previous Super Bowl performances. Former England internationals voiced differing opinions: Wayne Rooney dismissed the show as “crap,” Gary Neville said he enjoyed it, and Roy Keane described it as an “anti-climax” but noted Shakira’s contribution.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about incorporating entertainment elements into football events, a trend FIFA has pursued through changes such as mid-half hydration breaks that mirror practices in American sports.