Robert Smith, frontman of The Cure, has launched a furious outburst against the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime show, which has been curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin. The show is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey during the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.
Line-up and Criticism
The halftime show will feature performances from Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, and Burna Boy, lasting approximately 30 minutes and supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. However, Smith took to social media to express his disdain, sharing an image of NASA's Pale Blue Dot and captioning it with a rant targeting FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Smith wrote: "The half-time show, which has been curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, will feature Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and the K‑pop boyband BTS. Fifa's president, Gianni Infantosser, has described the half-time show as 'groundbreaking spectacle' that will 'celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle'." He added: "Aaaaaaaaagh... #breadandcircuses #mugw**k #pleasejustf***off."
Fan Reactions
Fans of The Cure quickly agreed with Smith's comments. One said: "Couldn't have said it better." Another wrote: "Always the best." A third commented: "Hahaha I love you Robert! Always spot on, always voicing common sense." Another added: "Some people do shade, The Cure eclipses people with the longest shadow."
Other Criticism
Oasis rocker Noel Gallagher also expressed disapproval of the halftime show, telling TalkSport: "I'm doing the half-time raffle for a leg of lamb. I don't like changes in football. I'm looking forward to these new rules about corners and time-wasting, that might be a good thing for the game, but I don't like the razzmatazz of football; it's been functioning perfectly for hundreds of years." Gallagher questioned whether any performers had links to football.
Chris Martin's Announcement
During the announcement, Chris Martin appeared with Sesame Street characters, including Elmo, and said: "Well, this year for the first time, there's a halftime show at the World Cup Final! It's where people get together and there's singing, and there's dancing, and there's music. It's a chance to show how amazing all different kinds of humans are. And monsters, aliens - it's one big family, really."
Additional Performances
Before the match, Robbie Williams and Jennifer Hudson will perform, with Hudson singing the American national anthem. The show will also feature Pussycat Doll singer Nicole Scherzinger, Italian singer-songwriter Laura Pausini, and streamer IShowSpeed. A special appearance by Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise is planned ahead of the final match.
FIFA 2026 chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi said: "Echoing the spirit of the opening ceremonies, which welcomed the world to the greatest stage in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the closing ceremony will bring the Fifa World Cup 2026 full circle through music, culture and football, before we kick off the highly anticipated match that will crown the champions of this groundbreaking tournament."
