The star-studded lineup for the controversial World Cup final halftime show will not receive any payment for their performance. Similar to acts at the Super Bowl, the musical guests will perform at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 without a fee.
Earlier this week, it was announced that the first-ever World Cup final halftime show will be headlined by Madonna, Shakira, and K-pop sensation BTS. Instead of paying the performers, FIFA stated that the show will support their Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to provide children with access to education and soccer.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the union of music and football on the largest stage in sports for a meaningful cause. He remarked, 'When you have a position of responsibility, you want to do everything you can to have a real impact.' Speaking at the Global Citizen NOW conference in New York on Thursday, Infantino added, 'Not everyone can become a world champion, but everyone can become a little bit better by having the right education. So we embrace that.'
While some fans expressed excitement over the halftime show, others voiced their displeasure on social media and in comments on The Daily Mail. One disgruntled supporter commented, 'Could they not have got 3 current stars from the USA, Mexico & Canada? Would have made a lot more sense!' Another wrote bluntly, 'Well at least I know what I won't be watching. Thanks for the heads up.' A third user stated, 'The worst lineup in the history of fifa. You can't change my mind.'
Some fans criticized the concept itself, with one saying, 'Leave that nonsense to Super Bowl, soccer doesn't need cheerleaders.' Others targeted individual performers: 'Madonna's a bit past it isn't she? Who even wants a half time show anyway?' Another user noted, 'Them trying to sneak in BTS with these talented ppl like we would notice.' A fan added, 'Shakira again? She did this with JLo at the Super Bowl…'
The show will be curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who conceived the idea four years ago while watching the previous World Cup. Madonna, 67, has won seven Grammy Awards and is set to release her 15th studio album, Confessions II, in July. Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira, 49, recently released the official World Cup song 'Dai Dai' alongside Burna Boy. She previously performed at a concert ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The Super Bowl is renowned for its halftime shows, attracting global stars for spectacular performances. This year featured Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny. Previous headliners include Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, and Rihanna. However, halftime shows are uncommon in soccer, with events like the Champions League final typically featuring a prematch concert. On May 30, the Killers will headline a concert before European club soccer's biggest game between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in Budapest.
