World Cup fans brand FIFA's first-ever halftime show a 'disaster' as Madonna and Bieber's bizarre spectacle divides billions

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey turned into a chaotic spectacle, with critics calling it a "vulgar circus." The match, which saw Spain defeat Argentina 1-0 in extra time, was overshadowed by a controversial halftime show featuring global celebrities including Madonna, Justin Bieber, and Shakira. The performance, intended to bring a touch of glamour and entertainment to the event, instead drew widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike. The halftime show began with Madonna, 67, performing her 2000 hit Music, accompanied by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho. Dressed in a pink satin teddy jacket and corset, Madonna was flanked by the two Brazilian icons as they drove her out onto the field in a car. This unusual display was followed by Justin Bieber, 32, who took to the pitch with just a guitar to perform a World Cup-themed rendition of his song Everything Hallelujah. His performance, marked by a somber tone, contrasted sharply with the earlier segments and left many in the audience bewildered. The halftime show continued with Shakira, who performed her hit Dai Dai alongside Burna Boy, and K-pop group BTS, who brought their energetic performance of Dynamite to the stadium. Despite these performances, the overall reception was mixed. Some fans criticized the show for being disjointed and lacking cohesion, while others appreciated the diversity and international flair it brought to the event. Former England captain Wayne Rooney was among those who expressed disappointment. During a live broadcast on BBC Sport, Rooney called the halftime show "c**p" and remarked that the "best part was when it ended." He noted that while he respects the artists involved, the performance failed to engage him and detracted from the main event. Similarly, musician Liam Gallagher described the experience as "like a bad trip," highlighting the surreal nature of the show. The controversy surrounding the halftime show extended beyond the immediate reaction. Fans took to social media to voice their opinions, with some condemning the performance as a "disaster" and questioning the decision to include a halftime show in the World Cup. Others, however, found value in the unique blend of music and sports, appreciating the effort to bring global talent together for the occasion. Despite the criticisms, the World Cup final did conclude with Spain emerging victorious. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time, securing the title for Spain. However, the match itself was marred by poor play and a lack of quality, leading to further discontent among spectators. Many felt that the halftime show, rather than enhancing the experience, distracted from the core of the competition. The aftermath of the final included notable moments, such as U.S. President Donald Trump being booed as he presented the trophy, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempting to manage the situation. These incidents underscored the broader dissatisfaction with the event's organization and execution. As the dust settled on what was arguably one of the most contentious World Cup finals in history, the focus remained on the need for improvement in future editions of the tournament.