In a sharp critique, The Cure’s frontman Robert Smith expressed his disapproval of the FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, which is set to include performances by iconic artists like Madonna, BTS, and Justin Bieber.
Smith, 67, took to Instagram to express his frustration, emphasizing that the issue isn’t with the performers themselves but rather with what he labeled as “mugwank ideas” surrounding a football World Cup Final halftime show.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming clash between Argentina and Spain at New Jersey’s Metlife Stadium on Sunday, July 9, Smith openly mocked a FIFA press release that had described the show as a “groundbreaking spectacle” meant to “celebrate football, music, and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.”
The musician added his own voice to the commentary, succinctly captioning his thoughts with a dramatic “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH…”
Robert Smith of The Cure SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images
To further underline his stance, Smith adorned his post with hashtags like “bread and circuses”—a nod to political tactics that appease the masses frivolously—followed by “#MUGWANK” and “#pleasejustf***off,” leaving no room for doubt about his clear disdain.
In a second post, Smith clarified he was not upset with the performers who signed on to perform during the show — he simply opposed the idea of a ceremony involving FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump handing the World Cup trophy to the winning team.
“Sadly, there are not enough A’s left for the ‘ARGH’ that should follow,” he quipped.
FIFA announced in May that Coldplay’s Chris Martin was curating a World Cup Final Halftime Show featuring Madonna, 67, BTS and Shakira to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to provide education opportunities and access to football training for children across the world.
“Performing at the World Cup final in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is deeply meaningful to me,” Madonna said at the time. “Without education, children are denied opportunity before they even have a chance. Every child deserves access to a quality learning — because education expands possibilities and creates lasting change.”
Earlier this month, FIFA expanded its all-star lineup by adding Bieber, 32, Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy, L.A. Philharmonic director Gustavo Dudamel and viral sensation PS 22 Chorus.
Since releasing her debut album in 1983, Madonna has rarely been out of the public eye — and she’s never stopped delivering floor-filling pop hits. Born in Bay City, Michigan, in 1958, Madonna — whose full name is Madonna Louise Ciccone — started dancing as a kid after convincing her dad to let her study […]
“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can,” Bieber, 32, said on July 8. “I’m grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world.”
Burna Boy added, “The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire world together. To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I’m honored to be part of a performance that not only celebrates football and culture but also helps create greater opportunities for children through education around the world.”
FIFA has also confirmed that its Halftime Show will feature appearances from The Muppets and characters from Sesame Street.