FIFA tried to serve Super Bowl energy. Instead, the Event got slammed by celebs and the internet wasted no time roasting the halftime experiment.
When Liam Gallagher dismissed the first FIFA World Cup Final halftime show as “like a bad trip,” he captured the reaction of many football fans. The Oasis frontman was not alone as criticism poured in after the star-studded spectacle.
FIFA’s attempt to introduce a Super Bowl-style halftime show always carried risks. Instead of complementing the biggest match in football, the 11-minute performance felt disjointed. Madonna opened the show, followed by BTS, Shakira and Burna Boy, Justin Bieber’s subdued acoustic ballad, and Coldplay’s closing performance. Despite the impressive lineup, the show lacked energy and cohesion.
Wayne Rooney delivered one of the sharpest verdicts. “Mine was when it finished. I thought it was crap,” the former England captain said during the BBC’s coverage. Social media quickly echoed his criticism, with many fans questioning whether football needed an American-style entertainment break at all.
Football continues to evolve, and fresh ideas can broaden its appeal. But any innovation should add to the occasion instead of distracting from it. The World Cup final already provides unmatched drama. It does not need an elaborate musical interlude that shifts attention away from the match.
FIFA wanted to make history with its first halftime show. It succeeded, but not in the way it hoped. The event sparked more debate than applause, leaving organisers to reflect on whether some traditions deserve to remain unchanged.
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