It zipped along, cramming in Shakira, Madonna and Coldplay, but football fans may not be convinced of need for this mid-match spectacleLike hydration breaks and Donald Trump’s ability to get refereeing decisions overturned by simply phoning up the president of Fifa and complaining, the final half-time show is an innovation of the 2026 World Cup that comes with a degree of controversy attached. For one thing, its existence automatically means the World Cup final breaks the International Football Association’s 15-minute half-time mandate.For another, its obvious antecedent lies in the NFL’s Super Bowl, where the half-time entertainment has mushroomed over the decades from a few marching bands to one of the big pop events of the year. To its detractors, it smacks of America not so much embracing the World Cup as imposing itself upon it.
Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Shakira entertain the crowd at half-time in the World Cup final, with a special appearance from Ronaldo and Ronaldinho at the New York New Jersey Stadium. US president watches Spain v Argentina matchWorld Cup final: live coverage of the matchDonald Trump and Gianni Infantino were booed as they took to the field for the presentation ceremony of the World Cup final on Sunday.Trump arrived at the stadium on Marine One, with the president’s helicopter first flying over the stadium about 45 minutes before kick-off. There was little reaction from the crowd as the aircraft flew over the stadium, with Marine One landing nearby a few minutes later.
The president was seated in a glassed-in section of luxury seats on the west side of the stadium shortly before kick-off, along with the Fifa president, Gianni Infantino. Other dignitaries and former players sat nearby, including Spain’s king, Felipe VI, Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, and Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum. White House confirms Trump will attend World Cup finalShakira, Madonna and BTS headline first half-time showWorld Cup final liveblog: all the football | Mail TomPost Malone has rocked up to perform at the closing ceremony, which is now taking place.
Swae Lee joins him for toe tapper Sunflower.Just a reminder that the halftime show will last 25 to 30 minutes. Around 11 minutes for the actual show and the rest of the time to set up the stage and then take it all down. There are worries that the added down time for players could lead to injuries as muscles cool down due to inactivity.
On the upside, they’ll get to hear Justin Bieber sing for about 90 seconds. Abandoned as a baby and brought up by nuns in Baghdad, Kelly will be preforming alongside global megastars. For the first time ever, the World Cup final will get an NFL-style halftime show, added to a star-studded opening ceremony 90 minutes before Argentina and Spain kick off the championship match.
While the lineup is impressive, the halftime is likely to prove controversial: it is expected to last 20 to 30 minutes, double the time of a typical football halftime. Long breaks are uncommon in football, so players and coaches will have to adjust their usual routines before returning for the second half. Unlike the halftime show at last year’s Club World Cup final, which took place on a stage built high on the stadium stands, the World Cup final performance will be held on the pitch.
Summary from source