FIFA's First World Cup Halftime Show Draws Mockery After 6-Minute Set
Updated
Updated · Mashable · Jul 20
FIFA's First World Cup Halftime Show Draws Mockery After 6-Minute Set
3 articles · Updated · Mashable · Jul 20
Summary
Under 6 minutes long, the World Cup final's first-ever halftime show sparked immediate online mockery after months of hype around a star-packed debut.
Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Shakira all appeared in the compressed set, with a Muppets cameo and a Ted Lasso intro adding to the spectacle.
BTS' quick "Dynamite" performance drew some of the biggest anticipation, while Bieber's 2025 song "Everything Hallelujah" was a frequent target of criticism from viewers.
The show unfolded during Spain vs. Argentina in a U.S.-co-hosted tournament, underscoring how FIFA's event is borrowing more American-style sports-entertainment elements.