![\"Text](\"https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/a\/assets\/texttospeech.svg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Listen to this article<\/p>\n
Estimated 4 minutes<\/p>\n
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.<\/p>\n
The first-ever halftime show at the 2026 World Cup Final opened with Madonna singing, “Music makes the people come together.” <\/p>\n
But online reaction to the 11-minute-43-second<\/a> blur of superstar performances proved to be divided.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n She then passed the mic over to the Muppets band, Electric Mayhem, who performed a version of The White Stripes\u2019 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 someone who has “some heart” and “some soul” \u2014 before introducing Justin Bieber. The 32-year-old stripped the production back with an acoustic guitar performance of his 2025 hit Everything Hallelujah.<\/p>\n Shakira and her hips then brought the energy roaring back, teaming up with Burna Boy for their World Cup anthem Dai Dai. <\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Halftime is usuallly downtime<\/p>\n In soccer, halftime is traditionally reserved strictly for player rest, and the rules<\/a> set by the International Football Association Board limit the break to 15 minutes.<\/p>\n Sunday’s halftime break lasted a total of 27 minutes and 19 seconds \u2014 delaying the resumption of the blockbuster final between Argentina and Spain and leaving many fans and football purists less than impressed. <\/p>\n Many viewers on X criticized both the concept and length of the show.<\/p>\n One user wrote<\/a>, “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.\u00a0Completely killed the atmosphere of the game.\u00a0We wait 4 years for THIS?”<\/p>\n This is just embarrassing & so out of place at a football match. Half time *show*. \ud83e\udd71 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<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014MrsOblivious<\/a><\/p>\n Another\u00a0wrote<\/a>, “Completely ruined the momentum of the game and it\u2019s probably responsible for the fact that these two teams are still fighting for the first goal after 105 minutes.”<\/p>\n Others focused less on the delay than on the show\u2019s dizzying, eclectic lineup.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n Even Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher entered the chat, writing<\/a>, “It\u2019s a good job I\u2019ve got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could\u2019ve tipped me over the edge.”<\/p>\n Halftime show rating: 6.8\/10 \u2014ryanhammer09<\/a><\/p>\n Not everyone was critical, however.<\/p>\n One viewer wrote<\/a> in part, “I happen to be from New York but I enjoyed the halftime show. What\u2019s wrong with a little music to bring people together? These days everyone finds a reason to hate something.”<\/p>\n Another commented<\/a> 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!”<\/p>\n![\"Shakira](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1784594110_792_default.jpg\")
Shakira performs at halftime during the World Cup Final match in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sunday. (Matt Slocum\/The Associated Press)<\/p>\n![\"Justin](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1784594111_891_default.jpg\")
Justin Bieber performs during the halftime show on Sunday. (Ashley Landis\/The Associated Press)<\/p>\n
Very random collection of acts, prob should have just been Shakira running the show there bc she\u2019s amazing.
Ted Lasso, vuvuzela & R9\/Ronaldinho good touches. All for the kids & positivity at the end.
Didn\u2019t need Biebs & 70% of it though lol<\/p>\n