Fans criticise World Cup final half-time show for breaking rules
Fans have expressed their discontent regarding the World Cup final’s half-time show, which extended beyond the traditional 15-minute limit set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), lasting over 20 minutes instead, reports BritPanorama.
Co-headlined by Shakira, Justin Bieber, and Madonna, the performance received backlash, with supporters declaring that “the game is gone.” Social media was rife with disappointment; one fan questioned, “What the hell is this?” another stated that the “half-time show is worse than the first half match.”
Wayne Rooney, the former England striker, called the event “crap” during an appearance on the BBC. The half-time duration had been a point of contention following previous instances, including last year’s Club World Cup final in the United States, where IFAB’s rules were also overlooked. This occurrence has prompted calls for stricter adherence to guidelines moving forward.
Highlights from the show included Madonna arriving in a vehicle driven by Brazilian football legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo. Korean band BTS and Shakira also performed, followed by a notable moment featuring Jason Sudeikis from the TV show Ted Lasso. The performance concluded with Coldplay’s Chris Martin accompanied by children singing a song about love and inclusivity.
FIFA, the governing body of football, indicated that the show was designed to unite football, music, and social impact, supporting its Global Citizen Education Fund with an aim to raise $100 million (£74.5 million) for educational initiatives worldwide. The effort, according to FIFA, underscores the organization’s commitment to social responsibility, as evidenced by its donation of $1 from every World Cup match ticket sold to various global projects.
FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, highlighted the performance’s significance, linking the importance of education to the overall event. He stated, “We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 final half-time show in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.” Infantino emphasized the event as a celebration of shared values and an impactful legacy for the future.
As fans and pundits voice their opinions, the intersection of sports and entertainment continues to evoke strong reactions, illustrating how critical the adherence to football traditions remains in the eyes of supporters. With such reactions, the governing body faces scrutiny not just over its regulations but also its role in balancing commercial pursuits with the game’s heritage.
