It seems not everyone is thrilled about Shakira’s upcoming concerts.
On Thursday, FIFA revealed plans for its first halftime show during the World Cup final, set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium, marking a significant shift from tradition.
This Super Bowl-style performance will include Shakira, Madonna, and the K-pop group BTS, with Chris Martin from Coldplay curating the event. Notably, the show aims to support the FIFA Global Citizenship Education Fund.
However, there’s concern among foreign soccer fans, who tend to be more passionate about the sport than their American counterparts. They usually don’t expect entertainment during crucial matches.
Some users on X have voiced their doubts about this approach, with one saying, “Honestly, I don’t think football fans will warm up to the halftime show. It’s amusing because they’re not like American football fans.” Another expressed unease about the trend of Americanizing everything.
This year’s World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and this halftime show is reminiscent of the Super Bowl.
Typically, Super Bowl halftime shows involve massive performances, disrupting the game for around 30 minutes. Past instances, like Bad Bunny’s polarizing act this year and Prince’s standout performance in 2007, exemplify this tradition.
In contrast, soccer generally doesn’t incorporate such high-profile entertainment, as highlighted by the Associated Press, which noted that the Killers will perform a pre-game concert for this year’s Champions League final on May 30.
There are certainly practical challenges to consider. A typical halftime show lasts about 15 minutes, so hosting three major artists could be tricky.
Still, FIFA has stressed the charity aspect of the show. In an Instagram post, FIFA President Gianni Infantino remarked that it combines music and football on an incredibly important stage for a special cause.
While some fans, particularly those with large followings, are supportive of the event, others remain skeptical.
One user commented, “I don’t want that,” reflecting a sentiment that seems to resonate with many.
Another user pointedly remarked, “The World Cup final halftime show feels like FIFA trying to become the Super Bowl.” They added that the players are focused on their game and recovery, and Shakira’s appearance might feel like a fleeting moment amidst that intensity. Madonna and BTS, in this opinion, come off as somewhat forced.
Yet another user stated, “Nobody really cares. People watch the World Cup for the soccer, not like American handball, where fans tune in for the halftime show. If there’s a halftime show, it should feature an associated artist or a global superstar.”
