It’s been described as an “abomination” that could annoy fans, reducing football’s showpiece game to a celebrity spectacle.
But Fifa’s first World Cup final half-time show is set to become a permanent fixture, some insiders believe, with ITV and the BBC committed to interrupting their analysis for the all-star event.
Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber are among a packed line-up of artists promising to bring a Super Bowl-style level of razzle-dazzle to the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday – while Spain and Argentina’s players cool their heels in the dressing room, waiting for the second half.
Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, the show is due to last 11 minutes, despite an ever-expanding bill which now includes the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela as well as The Muppets.
BBC and ITV to screen full show
