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The Cure’s Robert Smith mocks “Gianni Infantosser” and World Cup final half-time show
The Cure’s Robert Smith has criticised the planned World Cup final half-time show, mocking FIFA president Gianni Infantino as “Gianni Infantosser” in an Instagram post. His response highlights opposition from some musicians to FIFA’s decision to add an American-style entertainment spectacle to football’s most prominent match.
The show, scheduled for 19 July, is described as the first of its kind at a World Cup final and is expected to run for 20 to 25 minutes, beyond football’s usual maximum 15-minute half-time interval. Curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, it is set to feature BTS, Madonna, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus; Smith accompanied his criticism with hostile hashtags and NASA’s ‘Pale Blue Dot’ image. Noel Gallagher has also said he does not intend to watch the performance, although he has tickets for the match.
In short
- Robert Smith mocked FIFA’s planned World Cup final half-time show.
- The 20-to-25-minute performance breaks with normal football half-time conventions.
- BTS, Madonna and Justin Bieber are among the announced performers.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The World Cup final should reflect contemporary entertainment expectations and appeal to global audiences beyond traditional football enthusiasts. Adding a world-class entertainment experience with prestigious artists expands the event's cultural significance and commercial appeal, whilst the 20-to-25 minute duration remains brief enough not to substantially disrupt the sporting spectacle. Modern sporting events successfully integrate entertainment elements, and this curated show elevates the occasion rather than diminishing it.
The case against
Football's greatest match should centre on the sport itself, not on celebrity entertainment and commercial spectacle. Extending beyond the traditional 15-minute half-time interval dilutes the rhythm and integrity of the game, particularly given that half-time serves an important function for player recovery and tactical adjustment. This shift towards American-style entertainment distorts the competition's focus and suggests FIFA prioritises profit and broader entertainment demographics over the values that define football and satisfy its core supporters.
Explained simply
The World Cup final is football's biggest match, held every four years to determine the world champions. For the first time, an upcoming World Cup final will feature a 20 to 25 minute entertainment spectacle at half-time, rather than the traditional 15-minute break for players.
The show will be curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and will feature major international artists including Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus. FIFA, football's world governing body, has introduced this as a new element, marking a significant change to how the event is staged.
Some musicians have publicly opposed the plan, seeing it as a departure from the traditional World Cup final format. The disagreement reflects different views about the purpose of the World Cup final and how it should be presented.