World Cup's Inaugural Halftime Show Sparks Mixed Reactions
WHO:
The Hollywood Reporter - Event producers stated that the halftime show featured BTS, Shakira, Justin Bieber, Chris Martin, Burna Boy, and Madonna.
The Hollywood Reporter - Jason Sudeikis appeared as Ted Lasso during the halftime show.
US Magazine - Wayne Rooney criticized the halftime show, calling it "crap" and stating, "I thought the best part was when..."
Time Magazine - The inaugural halftime show featured performances by various artists, although specific names were not mentioned.
Mashable - The event drew reactions from fans and internet users worldwide.
WHAT:
The Hollywood Reporter - The halftime show lasted for 27 minutes, exceeding the maximum 15-minute stoppage time allowed by the International Football Association Board.
The Hollywood Reporter - A screenshot of a moment during the halftime show received over 120,000 likes on X, with a comment describing it as "one of the most gauche and disgusting things I’ve seen in a minute."
Awful Announcing - BBC Sport's closing montage for the World Cup received praise from viewers, with Alex Ewing stating, "Pleasure making BBC Sport’s World Cup closing montage with [Dom Robson-Smith]. See you in 4 years."
Awful Announcing - The montage featured the song "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses and was described as "electric" by viewers.
Billboard - The halftime show was compared to the Super Bowl halftime shows, with discussions on similarities and differences in production and audience engagement.
Pitchfork - The show was described as having a lineup of "massive stars" who were "totally disconnected from one another," emphasizing a lack of cohesion in the performances.
Billboard - The halftime show featured a total of six performances, showcasing a mix of genres and styles, with a production team that included over 250 crew members.
The New York Times - Critics noted that the style of the halftime show missed the point of connecting with the audience, aiming to create a "cultural moment" that resonates with both sports and music fans globally.
Billboard - The halftime show was curated by Chris Martin, known for his role in Coldplay.
Pitchfork - The show featured a lineup of massive stars who were described as "totally disconnected from one another."
The New York Times - The halftime show featured performances by a total of six artists, not five as previously reported.
Billboard - The production team reportedly included over 250 crew members, an increase from the previously mentioned 200.
Billboard - The halftime show featured a total of five performances, showcasing a mix of genres and styles.
Billboard - The production team reportedly included over 200 crew members to manage the elaborate staging and technical aspects of the show.
Time Magazine - The halftime show was described as having "too much" spectacle and "too little" substance.
Mashable - The show was the first-ever halftime performance during a World Cup event, marking a significant moment in sports entertainment.
WHERE:
Billboard - The halftime show took place at MetLife Stadium, a significant venue for major events.
Time Magazine - The halftime show took place at the World Cup venue, although the specific location was not detailed.
Mashable - The reactions were shared across various online platforms, indicating a global audience.
WHEN:
US Magazine - The 2026 FIFA World Cup final took place on July 19, with Spain defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time.
Time Magazine - The halftime show was part of the World Cup event, which is scheduled to take place in 2026.
WHY:
The Hollywood Reporter - Critics described the halftime show as "too American," with some viewers expressing that it imposed American culture on the World Cup.
Pitchfork - Critics argued that the production felt "fake" and lacked authenticity, which detracted from the overall experience of the show.
The New York Times - Critics noted that the style of the halftime show missed the point of connecting with the audience.
The New York Times - The show aimed to create a "cultural moment" that resonates with both sports and music fans globally.
Time Magazine - The show aimed to enhance the entertainment value of the World Cup, appealing to a broader audience beyond just sports fans.
HOW:
The Hollywood Reporter - The halftime show included a performance led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel with musicians from the New York Philharmonic and Venezuela’s Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra.
Pitchfork - The production was noted for its elaborate staging, which some critics felt overshadowed the performances themselves.
Pitchfork - The production was described as feeling "fake" and lacking authenticity, with performances that felt disconnected from one another.
Pitchfork - The production was described as feeling "fake" and lacking authenticity.
Time Magazine - The production involved elaborate staging and performances, although specific methods were not detailed.
The halftime show featured a star-studded lineup including BTS, Shakira, Justin Bieber, Chris Martin, Burna Boy, and Madonna, with Jason Sudeikis making a special appearance as Ted Lasso. Lasting for 27 minutes, the performance exceeded the International Football Association Board's maximum stoppage time, and a screenshot from the show garnered over 120,000 likes on X, with one comment calling it "one of the most gauche and disgusting things I’ve seen in a minute." Critics labeled the show as "too American," suggesting that it imposed American culture on the World Cup, while conductor Gustavo Dudamel led musicians from the New York Philharmonic and Venezuela’s Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra during the event.