FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show Faces Backlash Despite Star-Studded Lineup
The inaugural halftime show of the FIFA World Cup 2026 has received a mixed reception from fans and critics alike. Despite featuring prominent artists such as Madonna, Justin Bieber, and Shakira, the event was criticized for its execution. Wayne Rooney, a former England footballer, notably remarked that his favorite part of the show was its conclusion.
A Star-Studded Yet Controversial Performance
The halftime show took place during the final match between Argentina and Spain, where the official World Cup trophy was presented in a Louis Vuitton case. The anticipation for the halftime performance was high, marking a historic moment as it was the first of its kind in the tournament’s history.
Madonna opened the show with a vibrant rendition of her 2000 hit “Music,” incorporating elements from her recent track “Bring Your Love.” Although her duet partner, Sabrina Carpenter, was absent, Madonna was joined by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, who drove her into the stadium in a pink jeep.
Following Madonna, BTS captivated the audience with their hit “Dynamite.” The performance transitioned to a comedic segment featuring Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, who introduced Justin Bieber. Bieber performed his single “Everything Hallelujah,” which received mixed reviews.
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Critics
While some fans enjoyed the star-studded lineup, others expressed disappointment. Rooney criticized the overall performance, stating that it failed to engage him, and described Bieber’s act as “flat.” He expressed a desire for the football match to resume instead of the halftime entertainment.
Liam Gallagher also weighed in, praising Bieber’s performance but suggesting that the overall experience felt disjointed. He remarked, “This is like a bad trip… It’s a good job I’ve got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge.”
Conversely, many fans took to social media to express their excitement. One user described Madonna’s entrance alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho as “iconic,” highlighting the contrasting views on the performance.
The Show’s Highlights and Low Points
The halftime show also featured Shakira, who performed “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 World Cup, alongside Burna Boy and a group of dancers. Coldplay and the PS22 Chorus followed with an uplifting rendition of “We Believe in Love,” concluding the performances with a collective bow from all artists involved.
Despite the star power, the show was criticized for its lack of cohesion. Many viewers felt that the transitions between performances were abrupt, detracting from the overall experience.
Pre-Match Entertainment and National Anthems
In addition to the halftime show, the pre-match ceremony included performances by IShowSpeed and Post Malone, who entertained the crowd with hits like “Chrome Heartbreaker” and “Sunflower.” Jennifer Hudson delivered a powerful rendition of the U.S. National Anthem, while Spanish Brass performed “La Marcha Real,” and Maria Becerra sang the Argentinian anthem.
Robbie Williams also made an appearance, joining Laura Pausini and Nicole Scherzinger to perform the FIFA song “Desire.”
As reported by www.mirror.co.uk, the halftime show has sparked significant discussion among fans and critics, reflecting a wide range of opinions on its execution and overall impact.
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Published on 2026-07-20 01:23:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk