The Cure’s Robert Smith has criticised FIFA’s decision to introduce a Super Bowl-style halftime show at the men’s World Cup final, calling it an example of “bread and circuses”. He said his objection was not to the performers or curator Chris Martin, but to turning football’s biggest match into a major entertainment spectacle, and to Donald Trump’s planned role in the trophy presentation.

The final between Spain and Argentina is due to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS and Burna Boy among the advertised performers. FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the show as a “groundbreaking spectacle”, while Smith also mocked Infantino and Trump in follow-up posts and later returned to X to amplify criticism of Trump’s voter-fraud claims.