2026 World Cup Halftime Show, Curated by Chris Martin, Draws Mixed Reviews
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final featured the tournament's first-ever halftime show, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay. The performance aimed to celebrate "football, music and our shared values" and included a large lineup of international stars such as Madonna,…
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 19, 2026 —
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final marked a significant departure from tradition with the introduction of the tournament’s inaugural halftime show. Curated by Chris Martin, the frontman of the band Coldplay, the performance was conceived as a celebration of “football, music and our shared values.”
The ambitious production featured a star-studded lineup of international artists, including Madonna, the K-pop group BTS, Colombian superstar Shakira, and Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber. The intention was to create a grand spectacle that would resonate with a global audience.
Despite the impressive roster of talent and the scale of the event, the halftime show faced criticism. Reports indicate that the performance was perceived by some as being overstuffed, with a multitude of artists and elements contributing to a lack of distinct, memorable moments. This feeling of being overloaded, according to critics, hindered the show’s ability to connect deeply with viewers, despite its considerable global reach and the high profile of its performers.
Story summarized from the original created by Judy Berman on time.com, see more information here.
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