Soccer fans divided over World Cup's first

Soccer fans divided over World Cup's first-ever halftime show

Star-studded spectacle... or sensory overload? Historic halftime show prompts mixed reactions online

The first-ever halftime show at the 2026 World Cup Final opened with Madonna singing, "Music makes the people come together."

But online reaction to the 11-minute-43-second blur of superstar performances proved to be divided.

Here’s a quick recap. On Sunday, the 67-year-old pop icon kicked off the Super Bowl-style show in vibrant colour, arriving in a jeep driven by Brazilian football legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo before stepping onto the pitch alongside the pair.

Colourful World Cup halftime performance brings out Shakira, Madonna and Justin Bieber

She then passed the mic over to the Muppets band, Electric Mayhem, who performed a version of The White Stripes’ iconic Seven Nation Army alongside Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Next came an explosive performance by K-pop superstars BTS, who lit up MetLife Stadium with their 2020 hit Dynamite.

After the group danced across the field, the cameras cut to none other than Jason Sudeikis as his manager alter ego, Ted Lasso, and Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard. As they strolled across the field, the pair mused about calling in a substitute — someone who has "some heart" and "some soul" — before introducing Justin Bieber. The 32-year-old stripped the production back with an acoustic guitar performance of his 2025 hit Everything Hallelujah.

Shakira and her hips then brought the energy roaring back, teaming up with Burna Boy for their World Cup anthem Dai Dai.

The show concluded on a heartfelt note with the PS22 Chorus, a choir made up of elementary school students from Staten Island, N.Y. They performed We Dance, backed by Dudamel and joined by Coldplay singer Chris Martin, who curated the entire performance, along with Shakira, the Muppets, Justin Bieber and other performers.

In soccer, halftime is traditionally reserved strictly for player rest, and the rules set by the International Football Association Board limit the break to 15 minutes.

Sunday's halftime break lasted a total of 27 minutes and 19 seconds — delaying the resumption of the blockbuster final between Argentina and Spain and leaving many fans and football purists less than impressed.

Many viewers on X criticized both the concept and length of the show.

One user wrote, "This is just embarrassing & so out of place at a football match. Half time *show*. At least surely it proves The World Cup should never be in America again. Completely killed the atmosphere of the game. We wait 4 years for THIS?"

This is just embarrassing & so out of place at a football match. Half time *show*. 🥱 At least surely it proves The World Cup should never be in America again. Completely killed the atmosphere of the game. We wait 4 years for THIS? #ESPARG

Another wrote, "Completely ruined the momentum of the game and it’s probably responsible for the fact that these two teams are still fighting for the first goal after 105 minutes."

Others focused less on the delay than on the show’s dizzying, eclectic lineup.

"I need Chris Martin to come to the front bc going from Dynamite to Everything Hallelujah at a halftime show is a choice," one user posted.

Even Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher entered the chat, writing, "It’s a good job I’ve got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could’ve tipped me over the edge."

Halftime show rating: 6.8/10

Very random collection of acts, prob should have just been Shakira running the show there bc she’s amazing.

Ted Lasso, vuvuzela & R9/Ronaldinho good touches. All for the kids & positivity at the end.

Didn’t need Biebs & 70% of it though lol

Not everyone was critical, however.

One viewer wrote in part, "I happen to be from New York but I enjoyed the halftime show. What’s wrong with a little music to bring people together? These days everyone finds a reason to hate something."

Another commented in part, "Madonna was the only one with production value befitting of a finale halftime show! She brought energy, football legends and a song with a unifying message!"

One user even compared the show to its American counterpart: "World Cup Halftime Show from a performance standpoint is far superior to the Super Bowl’s in every way."

Meanwhile, former England player-turned-commentator Wayne Rooney got right to the point, describing the show as "crap" during BBC’s coverage.

Kayla McLean is a web journalist with CBC News in Toronto. She grew up in Brampton, Ont., and received her bachelor of arts in media production at Toronto Metropolitan University. Before joining CBC in 2024, she worked as a breaking news reporter at Global News Toronto — covering everything from crime, sports, festivals and politics. She also reported for Global News's current affairs show, The New Reality, covering stories with a focus on racial equality and climate justice. She also previously held positions as a chase producer and writer for CTV News Channel.

With files from The Associated Press