Fans slam half-time show at World Cup final as Fifa break rules

Fans have slammed the half-time show at the World Cup final, which lasted over 20 minutes, as FIFA broke the rules of the International Football Association Board (Ifab)

The performance, which was co-headlined by Shakira, Justin Bieber, and Madonna, has been criticised, with supporters saying the "game is gone".

One fan taking to social media wrote: "What the hell is this?"

Another said: "The half-time show is worse than the first half match."

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One other wrote: "Half-time show. Our sport has been Americanised."

Former England striker Wayne Rooney labelled it "crap" while speaking on the BBC.

The allocated time allowed for half-time by IFAB is strictly 15 minutes, which was broken at the Club World Cup final last year in the United States.

FIFA have once again broken this rule, with proceedings not getting back underway after nearly half an hour.

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Highlights from the performance saw Madonna start the show, being driven by Brazilian legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo.

Korean boy band BTS took to the stage, before Shakira led the performance.

Popular TV show Ted Lasso made a feature, with actor Jason Sudeikis in character, substituting on Justin Bieber for the show.

Coldplay's Chris Martin concluded the performance with youngsters singing a song focused on love and inclusivity.

FIFA said the performance will showcase "football, music and social impact coming together in the first-ever World Cup final half-time show".

The governing body said the performance will support its Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100million (£74.5million).

The initiative aims "to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide".

FIFA said that $1 from every World Cup match ticket sold is "being donated to support social projects around the world".

The governing body's president, Gianni Infantino, said: "When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education.

"We are proud to have Justin Bieber joining Madonna, Shakira and BTS to co-headline the Fifa World Cup 2026 final half-time show in support of the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund and our mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.

"As the world unites for the most significant football match in history on Sunday, July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, 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."

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