The World Cup Final saw something very different on Sunday night as a host of famous faces took to the stage, but as Madonna kicked off the halftime show, fans were divided21:16, 19 Jul 2026Updated 21:44, 19 Jul 2026Viewers were left distracted as they tuned in to watch the halftime performance of Spain v Argentina in the World Cup Final.‌For the first time ever, the World Cup final, taking place at New York/New Jersey Stadium in the USA, featured a half-time show, which is expected to dramatically lengthen the half-time interval and disrupt the match's rhythm.‌The World Cup final half-time show has been curated by Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin and featured Shakira and Burna Boy, who co-wrote the anthem for this World Cup.‌Madonna and Justin Bieber also graced the stage along with K-pop sensations BTS and Venezuelan orchestra conductor Gustavo Dudamel, of the prestigious New York Philharmonic.However, it didn't take long for viewers to share their thoughts about the half-time show and the star-studded performances, with many praising Madonna's opening performance.One commented, "This halftime performance is so great. Especially Ted Lasso introducing Justin Bieber."‌Another added, "I don’t really care about football, but I’m just here waiting for Madonna’s halftime show performance."A third went on, "Madonna stepping in for Maradona in the Legends slot."‌"Madonna just looking all kinds of amazing," someone else praised.However, not everyone enjoyed the break, with one complaining on X, "Now we have the half-time show that nobody asked #worldcup."Another said, "Boycotting the Halftime show...this is football, not the Super Bowl."‌While a third added, "Right, that’s the TV off for 30 minutes. There should be no 'half-time show', especially extending it beyond the 15 minutes."James Massing, whose team at Live Nation was responsible for the World Cup final half-time show, told the BBC that "expectation from fans has heightened" for big sporting events.‌He shared, "Competing with any other live experience - going to the museum, going to the theatre, going to the cinema."In the build-up to the final, some fans had already shared their feelings about the half-time show, with many looking forward to it.One fan wrote, "I keep thinking that Madonna could do a lotta controversies during the FIFA halftime show. Can’t wait to watch it."Article continues belowAnother agreed, "I honestly only care about the half-time show."Burna Boy also took to Instagram ahead of his performance with Shakira to share his excitement. Alongside a video with Coldplay's Chris Martin, he wrote," The great debate with the LEGEND! @coldplay. Catch us live on Sunday at the @fifaworldcup halftime show by @glblctzn."