World Cup final or Super Bowl? Why FIFA’s half-time show has fans in a tizzy

For the first time, FIFA will host a half-time show during the World Cup final on Monday, when Argentina faces Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The star-studded lineup includes Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and BTS, but the decision has sparked backlash from traditionalists who see it as an unwanted Americanisation of the beautiful game. The half-time entertainment, which will run approximately 11 minutes, is part of a broader push to raise funds for education through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

A Star-Studded Lineup

Headlining the show is Madonna, who is expected to perform tracks from her latest album, including a bilingual World Cup anthem titled Read My Lips, which she recorded with Colombian singer Feid. Justin Bieber will make his first stage appearance since Coachella in April, while Shakira will perform the official World Cup song Dai Dai alongside Burna Boy—a repeat of their opening ceremony act. K-pop sensation BTS, fresh off a four-year hiatus and a celebrated reunion album, will also take the field. The spectacle will be curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, with performances by Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus featuring Coldplay, and even characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets.

Unprecedented Length and Format

The half-time show is scheduled to last roughly 11 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of traditional match analysis—bringing total half-time to between 20 and 25 minutes. This breaks FIFA’s standard rule that intervals should not exceed 15 minutes. Last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final half-time ran 24 minutes, featuring acts like Coldplay, J Balvin, and Doja Cat, setting a precedent. The extended format invites inevitable comparisons to the Super Bowl, known for its elaborate half-time productions.

Fan and Player Concerns

Not everyone is thrilled. Some fans have criticised the move as an “Americanisation” of a global event, arguing that the focus should remain on the players and the sport. Concerns have been raised about how the extended break and on-field staging might affect player concentration and momentum. While FIFA has framed the initiative as a charitable effort—the show supports the Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million for children’s education and football access—the controversy underscores a deeper tension between tradition and commercial spectacle in international football.

What’s Next for the Beautiful Game?

As the World Cup final approaches, all eyes will be on MetLife Stadium to see how the half-time show unfolds. If successful, it could pave the way for more entertainment-driven formats in future tournaments. If poorly received, it may reinforce the view that some traditions are best left untouched. Regardless, Monday’s event will be a watershed moment for FIFA, testing whether the world’s most-watched sporting event can embrace a Super Bowl-style spectacle without losing its soul.