Too much of everything: the World Cup half-time show was an over-supply of Fifa

The FIFA World Cup semifinal halftime show, held during the 2026 tournament in Brazil, has been widely criticized as an over-the-top attempt to emulate the American Super Bowl’s extravagant entertainment format. The event, which featured a chaotic mix of performances and celebrity appearances, was perceived by many as an exaggerated display of the organization's self-importance and lack of focus. The show, which lasted just under two minutes, included contributions from pop stars, musicians, and even former football legends, all aimed at maximizing global visibility and social media engagement. The halftime show took place after the match between Brazil and Argentina, with both teams advancing to the final. It followed the traditional model of the Super Bowl, which has become synonymous with high-profile musical acts and elaborate stage productions. However, the FIFA version diverged sharply from this formula, resulting in a disjointed and often confusing spectacle. Performances ranged from the energetic yet overly long set by Justin Bieber to the more subdued but well-received contribution by Shakira, who delivered a heartfelt rendition of her World Cup anthem “Dai Dai.” Among the notable figures appearing were Tom Cruise and Madonna, whose participation was seen as an effort to align FIFA with Hollywood glamour. Cruise, known for his association with Scientology, made a brief appearance, delivering a short speech that was met with mixed reactions. Madonna, meanwhile, was positioned as a symbol of international appeal, though her performance was overshadowed by the sheer volume of other acts. The inclusion of Brazilian legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, who served as bodyguards for Madonna, further emphasized the event’s emphasis on spectacle over substance. The show was described by some as a "bad trip," echoing comments from British musician Liam Gallagher, who likened the experience to a poorly planned psychedelic journey. This sentiment was echoed by critics who felt the event lacked coherence and purpose, with too many elements crammed into a short timeframe. The presence of diverse genres, ranging from pop to classical music, including a children’s choir and K-pop acts, was seen as an attempt to cater to a broad audience, but ultimately resulted in a fragmented viewing experience. Despite the criticism, some aspects of the show were praised. Shakira’s performance stood out for its emotional depth and relevance to the tournament, while the production quality was generally acknowledged as high. However, these positive notes were overshadowed by the perception that the entire event was driven by a desire to maximize exposure rather than provide meaningful content. Critics argued that the excessive focus on star power and visual flair detracted from the core mission of celebrating football and its players. As the tournament progresses, the fallout from the halftime show is likely to continue influencing public perception of FIFA’s approach to major events. While the organization remains committed to maintaining its global brand through such initiatives, the backlash suggests that there is growing demand for more authentic and impactful programming. Fans and analysts alike are calling for a return to simpler, more focused celebrations that honor the sport itself rather than the spectacle surrounding it. With the World Cup reaching its climax, the lessons learned from this controversial halftime show may shape future decisions regarding how such events are curated and presented.