World Cup Final Halftime Show Draws Mixed Global Reactions
6 verified5 unconfirmed
The halftime show of the World Cup final has generated widespread discussion and mixed reactions from viewers around the world. The 27-minute spectacle featured a sequence of performances that blended global pop culture with major stars, marking an unprecedented expansion of the typical match break. Madonna emerged from a disco ball and rode a dune buggy driven by Brazilian soccer legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin also performed, while Jason Sudeikis appeared as Ted Lasso and the Muppets joined Gustavo Dudamel and the New York Philharmonic for a rendition of “Seven Nation Army.” Children performed alongside the artists in a finale emphasizing themes of global unity. Critics and viewers have described the show as both wildly entertaining and deeply confusing, with some questioning its length and cultural fit for a soccer audience.
What’s verified
Madonna appeared on a dune buggy driven by Brazilian stars Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Coldplay/Chris Martin each performed during the show.
The Muppets played “Seven Nation Army” with conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the New York Philharmonic.
Jason Sudeikis made an appearance as Ted Lasso.
Many children performed on the field as part of the finale.
The show received a divided reception, with some praising its ambition and others criticizing it as overlong or out of place.
Not yet confirmed
The specific length of the show—27 minutes—is reported by only one source.
Details of specific critical reactions, including quotes from Wayne Rooney, Robert Smith, and several publications, come from a single report.
The claim that the Iranian team and coaching staff were required to fly in and leave the U.S. on their match days appears in only one source.
The observation that no performer from Mexico was included is mentioned by only one source.
The description of the show as “joyous anarchy” is from a single account.
Key figures
Madonna, Ronaldo (R9), Ronaldinho, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Chris Martin (Coldplay), Gustavo Dudamel, Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso), The Muppets
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, sbnation.com
