2026 World Cup final halftime show criticized as slick but unnecessary

Published Jul 19, 10:34 PM UTC

The Athletic's Tim Spiers reviews the first-ever World Cup final half-time show, held during the 2026 Spain vs. Argentina match. The 27-minute spectacle featured Justin Bieber, Madonna, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy, Coldplay, and the Muppets. While praising the choreography and surreal moments like Ronaldo driving Madonna into the stadium, Spiers argues the show was a contrived, money-driven imitation of the Super Bowl halftime show that disrupted football tradition. He notes Bieber's acoustic performance was a 'bum note' amid high-energy acts, and questions the necessity of forcing players like Lionel Messi to endure an extended halftime for commercial entertainment. The article concludes the show was passable but ultimately unnecessary.