The final half-time show of the 2026 World Cup has stirred some controversy, much like hydration breaks and political maneuvering in football. This new addition to the event means the traditional 15-minute half-time rule set by the International Football Association is now a thing of the past.
Its roots can be traced back to the NFL’s Super Bowl, where half-time entertainment has evolved significantly from simple marching bands to major pop spectacles. Critics argue that this shift reflects an American imposition on a global tournament rather than a genuine embrace of the beautiful game.
Before the main event, the pre-match closing ceremony provided additional musical entertainment, which was notably not broadcast live by either the BBC or ITV, resulting in a lackluster reception.
Those who tuned into iPlayer were treated to Post Malone’s debut of what is likely the first single from his upcoming album, titled “I take a breath and wait for the ref / This is the World Cup, put your hands in the air.” alongside his collaboration with Swae Lee on their chart-topping hit “Sunflower.” Additionally, online influencer and wrestler IShowSpeed performed his viral track “Champions,” which FIFA deemed significant enough to feature on the official World Cup album.
This performance, a jarring mix of heavy beats and autotuned lyrics, didn’t resonate with the audience at the New York-New Jersey Stadium, as evidenced by the silence that followed. The lyrics, which made typical football chants seem profound, included lines like, “I take a breath and wait for the ref / This is the World Cup, put your hands in the air.” However, the crowd did erupt in cheers when fireworks lit up the sky afterward.
The show continued with Jennifer Hudson delivering the Star-Spangled Banner, followed by Robbie Williams, who performed the FIFA anthem “Desire” alongside Laura Pausini and Nicole Scherzinger. This ballad, which first debuted during the draw ceremony in December, had since faded into obscurity, overshadowed by FIFA’s controversial award decisions. Listening to it again, it was clear why it hadn’t gained popularity.
In contrast, the actual half-time show managed to impress. Although expectations were low, it effectively packed a lot into its 11 minutes by condensing songs and swiftly transitioning between artists. Madonna took the stage with a rendition of her 2000 hit “Music,” which was reimagined on a Mad Max-inspired vehicle driven by football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
Next, the familiar sounds of the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army” were performed by members of the Muppets’ house band, the Electric Mayhem, though their leader, Dr. Teeth, was notably absent. BTS also contributed with a lively performance of “Dynamite,” while Shakira and Burna Boy treated the audience to a shortened version of their hit “Dai Dai.” Coldplay rounded out the show with “Believe in Love,” accompanied by a children’s choir, which surprisingly felt less saccharine than it sounded, especially against the backdrop of vuvuzela players.
However, not all elements were well-received. Justin Bieber’s acoustic ballad “Everything Hallelujah” may have been a viral hit following his Coachella performance, but the introspective tone felt misplaced in this festive context. Despite mixed feelings about the half-time show, it managed to justify its presence during this World Cup final. Yet, not everyone shared this sentiment. Wayne Rooney candidly remarked, “I thought it was crap” when asked for his thoughts by BBC presenter Gabby Logan.
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