Hits, misses and Muppets: World Cup half-time show divides fans

The 2026 World Cup final in New York New Jersey Stadium introduced a controversial new element: a star-studded half-time show featuring Madonna, Shakira, Coldplay, and even the Muppets. While some hailed it as a spectacular entertainment pivot, many football purists questioned its necessity, arguing it sullied the sport's traditions.

An American innovation under fire

The half-time show, lasting 11 minutes, marks a departure from the International Football Association’s 15-minute half-time break mandate. Critics see it as an American imposition, borrowing directly from the NFL's Super Bowl halftime extravaganza. The move has drawn both curiosity and ire, with detractors claiming the World Cup is being reshaped for U.S. audiences rather than global football fans.

Pre-match pageantry and misfires

Before the half-time spectacle, viewers endured a pre-match closing ceremony that neither BBC nor ITV broadcast live. Highlights included Post Malone debuting a new track, "Chrome Heartbreaker," and Swae Lee joining him on the hit "Sunflowers." Online influencer-turned-wrestler IShowSpeed performed "Champions" to a tepid live response, despite its viral popularity on social media. Jennifer Hudson sang the U.S. national anthem, and Robbie Williams, with Laura Pausini and Nicole Scherzinger, revived the forgotten FIFA anthem "Desire." The ballad, first unveiled at the draw ceremony, had failed to chart globally, and its return did little to revive interest.

The half-time show: a whirlwind of stars

The main event zipped through pared-down performances. Madonna reworked her 2000 hit "Music" for the occasion. Shakira delivered her signature energy, while Coldplay appeared alongside the Muppets, who performed the White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army." The show was concise, but its rapid cuts between artists left little room for emotional buildup. Nonetheless, it showcased the breadth of international pop talent. The audience reacted with mixed enthusiasm, with fireworks drawing the loudest cheers.

Reactions and analysis

Fans divided into camps: those who enjoyed the entertainment as a breather from the match tension, and those who saw it as unnecessary spectacle. The comparison to the Super Bowl remains contentious, but FIFA defended the innovation as a way to broaden the World Cup's appeal. Yet many purists argue that football needs no such enhancement.

What lies ahead

The experiment raises questions about the future of World Cup half-time shows. Will they become a staple in future tournaments? Advocates point to increased viewer engagement, while critics fear the sport is losing its identity. As the final whistle resonates, the debate over whether the half-time show was a hit or miss is far from settled.