Opinions in the global football community have been divided after FIFA announced that the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19 will feature its first-ever half-time show.

In an X statement on Thursday, the football governing body disclosed that Shakira, Madonna, and South Korean K-pop superstars BTS will headline the half-time show, which is set to be curated by Chris Martin of British rock band Coldplay.

“The world’s biggest stage. An even bigger purpose. On July 19, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Halftime Show is coming to New York New Jersey Stadium, featuring superstars @Madonna, @shakira, and @bts_bighit, curated by @coldplay’s Chris Martin!” it stated.

Following the announcement, many football fans took to social media to welcome the show as a bold addition to the World Cup, while others were unenthusiastic about it, describing it as an attempt to Americanise football.

On X, user @_darialuuuuu said, “This time, FIFA pulled off the impossible and gathered all the great artists at the world’s most massive event. This is next-level stuff.”

“That’s actually huge. Madonna + Shakira + BTS on the same stage is already legendary, and tying it to education and football makes it even bigger. The World Cup 2026 final is about to be a global moment, not just a match,” @D3Ssweetheart remarked.

Another user, @Agunbay01, maintained that FIFA was late with the decision but praised the initiative regardless, stating, “The Super Bowl has been doing it for decades. The World Cup is bigger globally. Imagine the moments we missed. Better late than never.”

On the opposing side, @eliedee stated, “In that sacred moment?? The final of two countries battling to be the world champion???? Not to disrespect the artists, but WHO TF CARES? The artists can perform during the closing ceremony. That’s how it’s usually done, not the half-time show.”

“Everything about this annoys me. Everything. Not because I hate Madonna (Goddess), Shakira (come back to the festival), and BTS. It’s completely unnecessary, knowing that for years artistic shows have been done BEFORE the match and not IN THE MIDDLE,” @Nacho said.

Another user, @baheughgahuuuuh, mentioned, “I thought this would be a pointless distraction from the actual football, but it’s great to see the host nation get a chance to showcase some of their underground, emerging talents to a wider audience.”

“Why did they not perform at the women’s final, why in a men’s game? Half time in football is being Americanised. No real football fans care about music mixing with football. ‘Waka Waka, it’s time for Africa’—what exactly this time around, give European teams three points?” @Iam_Jepho commented.

Meanwhile, FIFA also noted that it is targeting $100 million from the half-time show, with the funds expected to be channelled towards expanding access to education and football around the world.

“A FIFA World Cup first, the Half-Time Show supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a landmark initiative working to raise $100 million to expand access to quality education and football for children around the world.

“Throughout the tournament, $1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches will be donated to the Fund,” the football governing body added.