Fade , smooth and too long: Madonna and Shakira's concert at the half-time of Spain-Argentina under criticism

The halftime performance during the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, held in New York, faced widespread criticism for being overly long, bland, and lacking artistic flair. Organized by FIFA for the first time in its history, the 11-minute spectacle featured a lineup including Madonna, Shakira, Burna Boy, BTS, Justin Bieber, and the Muppets, all under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel. The event was intended to mark a new era for FIFA's halftime shows, but instead, it drew sharp commentary from both sports enthusiasts and music critics. The performance began with Madonna, flanked by Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, performing her 2000 hit Music within the galleries of the MetLife Stadium, which had been transformed into a nightclub-like setting. According to French newspaper Le Soir, the tone was immediately set as “smooth and American,” a sentiment echoed by many observers who questioned whether this opening segment had been pre-recorded to avoid the risk of crowd interference. This choice sparked debate over the authenticity and spontaneity of the performance. Following Madonna’s set, the show moved quickly through a series of acts, featuring Shakira, Coldplay, and other international artists. The New York Times noted that while the choreography was impeccable and the sentiments conveyed were universally agreeable, the overall experience felt tedious. The paper described the performance as “perfectly choreographed” but criticized it for being “boredom-inducing.” The only artist to stand out was Justin Bieber, who performed an unreleased track titled Everything Hallelujah, showcasing a degree of independence from his usual repertoire. Critics pointed out that the halftime show lasted significantly longer than the 15-minute limit mandated by FIFA regulations. The actual duration reached nearly 27 minutes, drawing comparisons to the Super Bowl halftime format. This extended period raised concerns among sports purists, particularly regarding the impact on players, who endured prolonged breaks during the match. These interruptions have already been controversial, with the introduction of “cooling-off periods” during each half of play drawing criticism for disrupting the flow of the game. According to L'Équipe, the reaction from football fans was lukewarm at best. Many questioned the necessity of such a high-profile spectacle during the world’s most sacred sporting event. The show, they argued, turned the occasion into a “feverish pop dream” lasting more than 11 minutes, rather than maintaining the traditional reverence associated with the World Cup final. Despite the negative reception, the performance did not result in outright disaster. The New York Times acknowledged that the grass appeared to be protected, the players managed their long periods of inactivity, and none of the performers completely embarrassed themselves. However, this minimal success was deemed insufficient to justify the inclusion of such a lengthy and arguably unnecessary production in the context of a major football tournament. FIFA’s decision to hold the halftime show in New York marked a shift toward a more Americanized approach to global football events. Critics, including El País, suggested that this move symbolizes a broader trend of commercialization and entertainment-driven content overshadowing the sport itself. Meanwhile, France 24 described the event as a “grand parade of stars” that failed to deliver the kind of spectacle expected by millions of viewers around the world. The performance concluded with a choir from New York, presented by FIFA as part of its fundraising efforts for educational programs. While this segment aimed to highlight the organization’s charitable initiatives, it further contributed to the perception that the halftime show prioritized promotional messaging over genuine artistic expression. As the World Cup continued, the controversy surrounding this unprecedented halftime spectacle remained a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike.