The FIFA World Cup Final's halftime show, held during the Spain vs Argentina match at New Jersey Stadium, has drawn widespread criticism from international viewers and press for being excessively American in style, with British outlets branding it "glib and unsubtle" and an unwelcome imposition on the global sport. The 27-minute spectacle, exceeding the International Football Association Board's stated 15-minute stoppage limit, followed a tournament already marred by complaints over expensive tickets, political interference and corruption allegations, adding to a sense among traditional football fans that the sport's culture is being overtaken by American-style showmanship.

The show featured performers including BTS, Shakira, Justin Bieber, Chris Martin and Burna Boy, alongside Madonna being driven through stadium tunnels by Brazilian football greats Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, Jason Sudeikis appearing as Ted Lasso, and a Muppets performance alongside conductor Gustavo Dudamel leading two orchestras in "Seven Nation Army." A viral moment showing tennis player Carlos Alcaraz and actress Hoyeon unveiling the trophy from a Louis Vuitton case drew particular mockery online, gathering over 120,000 likes on a post calling it "gauche and disgusting." Spain won the final, watched by a projected one billion viewers, though supporters of the show defended it as an entertaining, large-scale production.