The Controversial World Cup Final Halftime Show
The upcoming World Cup final halftime show has sparked a lot of debate, with one notable aspect being that the performers will not receive any payment for their appearances. This approach mirrors the tradition seen at the Super Bowl, where musical guests also perform without financial compensation.
The event, set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, will feature a star-studded lineup including Madonna, Shakira, and the K-pop band BTS. This marks the first-ever World Cup final halftime show, an initiative by FIFA aimed at combining music and football on the biggest stage in sport for a meaningful cause.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating that it would support the Global Citizen Education Fund, which is raising $100 million to help children access education and soccer. “When you have a position of responsibility, you want to do everything you can to have a real impact,” Infantino said at the Global Citizen NOW conference in New York on Thursday.
Infantino added, “Not everyone can become a world champion, but everyone can become a little bit better by having the right education. So we embrace that.”
While some fans are excited about the prospect of a halftime show, others have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media and in comments sections. One fan wrote, “Could they not have got 3 current stars from the USA, Mexico & Canada? Would have made a lot more sense!” Another commented, “Well at least I know what I won’t be watching. Thanks for the heads up.”
Other fans criticized the lineup, with one saying, “The worst lineup in the history of FIFA. You can’t change my mind.” Another remarked, “Leave that nonsense to Super Bowl, soccer doesn’t need cheerleaders.”
Some fans took issue with the individual performers, with one user commenting, “Madonna’s a bit past it isn’t she? Who even wants a half time show anyway?” Another said, “Them trying to sneak in BTS with these talented ppl [sic] like we would notice.”
“Shakira again? She did this with JLo at the Super Bowl…,” another fan noted.
The Curator Behind the Show
The show will be curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who came up with the idea four years ago while watching the previous World Cup. His vision has now become a reality, bringing together some of the most iconic names in music.
Madonna, 67, has won seven Grammy Awards and her 15th studio album – Confessions II – is set to be released in July. Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira, 49, recently released the official World Cup song, “Dai Dai,” alongside Burna Boy. She previously performed at a concert ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
A Tradition of Spectacular Performances
The Super Bowl is famed for its halftime show, attracting the world’s biggest stars for spectacular performances. This year featured Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny. Previous headliners included Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, and Rihanna.
However, halftime shows are not commonplace in soccer, with events such as the Champions League final featuring a pre-match concert. On May 30, the Killers will headline a concert before European club soccer’s biggest game between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in Budapest.
