The Cure's frontman Robert Smith has publicly criticised FIFA president Gianni Infantino over plans for the first-ever halftime show at a World Cup final, branding the idea "MUGWANK" in a series of Instagram posts. Smith took aim at Infantino's description of the show as a "groundbreaking spectacle," and clarified that his objection was not aimed at the curator or performers themselves, but at the broader concept of introducing a music-festival-style interlude into football's showpiece match.

The halftime show, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, is set to feature Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS. Smith also criticised Infantino for arranging to present the trophy alongside US President Donald Trump, mocking both men in his posts. The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was scheduled for Sunday 19th July, with England and France playing the third-place match the day before; the tournament had already faced criticism for introducing mandatory "hydration breaks" seen by some as a way to fit in more advertising.