‘Purists will be irritated’: How BBC and ITV will air World Cup half-time show

Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and BTS delivered a high-energy half-time performance at the FIFA World Cup final, marking one of the most extravagant spectacles in the tournament’s history. The show, held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, lasted 27 minutes and 22 seconds, setting a new record for the longest half-time show in World Cup history. The event featured a lineup of global stars, including Colombian pop icon Shakira, American pop sensation Justin Bieber, legendary pop diva Madonna, and South Korean K-pop group BTS, whose members were returning from a three-year hiatus following their mandatory military service in South Korea. The performance included a variety of acts, with Madonna taking center stage and appearing from beneath the stadium through tunnels, accompanied by former Brazilian football legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo. Her rendition of her iconic hit Music drew cheers from the crowd. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber showcased his musical talents by playing guitar during his segment, while BTS brought their signature energy to the stage, reflecting their growing influence beyond the K-pop scene. The show was further enhanced by colorful visuals, fireworks, and a dynamic atmosphere that enveloped the stadium. The extended duration of the half-time show sparked debate, as it exceeded the International Football Association Board’s (IFAB) rule limiting halftime breaks to a maximum of 15 minutes. Despite this, FIFA opted to expand the break to accommodate the performance, with estimates suggesting the total time could approach 30 minutes when accounting for setup and teardown logistics. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with some critics calling the event an “abomination” that risks overshadowing the sport itself. Former England player Wayne Rooney, part of the BBC commentary team, expressed disappointment, noting that the shift away from traditional football coverage could alienate long-time fans. The half-time show was curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who helped assemble a diverse array of performers, including the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela and the Muppets. The event also saw appearances by other notable figures, such as Jennifer Hudson, who sang the U.S. national anthem before the match, and actor Tom Cruise, who addressed the crowd, emphasizing football’s role in uniting people across borders. Additional performances included Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and Laura Pausini, who collaborated on stage, while Post Malone and Swae Lee performed their hit Sunflower. The show was broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with expert commentary from the BBC’s punditry team. Celebrities and public figures were present throughout the event, with Kylie Jenner and her boyfriend Timothee Chalamet, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and British-Argentine actress Anya Taylor-Joy joining the audience. Taylor-Joy, known for her support of Argentina in international competitions, expressed her personal allegiance to the country. Meanwhile, David Beckham and his wife Victoria shared a moment with Tom Cruise, highlighting the blend of sports and entertainment that defined the evening. While the half-time show aimed to attract a broader audience, including non-football fans, it also raised concerns about the potential disruption to traditional viewing experiences. Some analysts suggested that the format might work better in markets where commercial broadcasting and sports entertainment are deeply intertwined, such as the United States. In contrast, European audiences, accustomed to uninterrupted play-by-play commentary, may find the interruption less appealing. Nevertheless, the event underscored FIFA’s efforts to modernize the World Cup experience and align it with global entertainment trends, potentially setting a precedent for future tournaments.