Just one match stands between Argentina, Spain, and the coveted World Cup trophy. But at Sunday’s showdown inside MetLife Stadium, the winning captain will experience an unusual delay in hoisting the prize aloft.
In a historic twist, FIFA has sparked debate with its decision to introduce a halftime show during the greatest spectacle in soccer, marking a first for the tournament’s illustrious legacy.
As the world tunes in to witness Lionel Messi and his team chase a back-to-back World Cup victory, this year’s finale has an unexpected twist. The legendary player will be sharing the limelight with pop icons Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber, echoing the flamboyant spirit of a Super Bowl showcase.
The World Cup final isn’t just about soccer this time—it features a vibrant blend of entertainment at the closing ceremony too. Spectators can look forward to dazzling performances and appearances by stars like Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Nicole Scherzinger, influencer IShowSpeed, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, and the acclaimed Italian singer Laura Pausini.
While Tom Cruise’s exact involvement remains a mystery, FIFA descries it as a ‘special appearance.’ Soccer officials promise that the ceremony will honor all 48 nations participating in this year’s tournament, adding an extra layer of celebration to the finale.
Here, the Daily Mail explains what viewers can expect at halftime.
Justin Bieber is among the music superstars performing during the halftime show on Sunday
Madonna is also among the headliners for the controversial show at MetLife Stadium
Donald Trump is set to attend the final and hand over the trophy with Gianni Infantino
WHO IS PERFORMING?
FIFA enlisted the help of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin to curate the show and back in May it emerged that Madonna, Shakira and K-pop band BTS would perform.
Bieber was recently added to the lineup, while Burna Boy will join Shakira on stage and Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel is also down to perform.
Coldplay will have their moment in the spotlight, too. Martin and Co will perform alongside the PS22 Chorus, an award-winning group of fifth graders from an elementary school in New York. Also among the lineup? Characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets.
‘For the first time ever, football, music and social impact will come together as the greatest show on Earth reaches its pinnacle,’ FIFA said.
‘[The] Halftime Show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise $100million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide.’
FIFA provided a glimpse of what to expect at last year’s Club World Cup Final, when Martin put together another halftime show for Chelsea’s win over Paris Saint-Germain.
That took place up in the stands of MetLife Stadium but, 12 months on, Madonna and Co are expected to perform on the field.
Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Cruise will headline the World Cup closing ceremony on Sunday
Twelve months ago, FIFA hosted a halftime show during the Club World Cup final at MetLife
HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?
We shall see. The performance is expected to be wrapped up in 11 minutes but there has yet to be official confirmation about how long the entire circus will take.
Recently, however, reports claimed that soccer chiefs are hoping the show will last around 20 minutes. That is despite the sport’s lawmakers stating that halftime should not ‘exceed 15 minutes’ – unless ‘altered… with the referee’s permission.’
On Sunday, Messi and Co look set to spend longer than normal in the locker room before returning for the second half.
That has raised concerns over injuries, while questions remain about how the process of erecting and dismantling the stage will affect the field.
Twelve months ago, at the Club World Cup final, halftime lasted nearly 25 minutes – despite the performance taking just 10 minutes.
Unlike last year, however, a stage will need to be put up and taken down on the field of MetLife Stadium. FIFA is also more squeezed for time than the NFL.
At the Super Bowl, halftime is typically extended to around half an hour – from 13 minutes in the regular season – to make room for the musical performance.
BTS, seen here in Mexico City, became the first K-pop group to receive a Grammy nomination
Bad Bunny performed the halftime show at Super Bowl LX between the Patriots and Seahawks
CONMEBOL put on a halftime show for the final of the 2024 Copa America in Miami. That performance, which also featured Shakira, saw Argentina and Colombia players wait 26 minutes before starting the second half.
World Cup games are already longer than normal thanks to FIFA’s controversial hydration breaks in each half.
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT IT?
Well, it is fair to say that Infantino’s decision to introduce a halftime show has been divisive and controversial.
The show’s executive producer, Guy Carrington, recently told The Hollywood Reporter: ‘We’ve spent months and months preparing this, developing it and working with all of the artists… it’s a carefully-curated performance that’s going to be spectacular.’
The FIFA president, meanwhile, said the artists will ‘play a key role in conveying a powerful message of unity and hope to billions of people worldwide.’
Infantino added: ‘As the world unites for the most significant football match in history… this groundbreaking spectacle, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.’
But the verdict of Robert Smith of The Cure was rather less effusive. ‘Please just f*** off,’ he said about the halftime show.