Football fans are fearing the death of the sport after FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed the next World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl style half-time show.
Next summer’s tournament, which will be hosted by America, Mexico and Canada, will culminate on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
FIFA came under fire in Qatar three years ago when the post match ceremony, and Lionel Messi’s crowning glory, which followed Argentina’s win against France was gatecrashed by celebrity chef Salt Bae.
Despite the criticism Infantino encountered as a result of that fiasco, the FFIA chief is set to ratchet up glitz and glamour, enlisting the help of Coldplay’s Chris Martin to handpick suitable acts.
‘I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey, in association with Global Citizen,’ Infantino revealed in a statement on Instagram.
‘This will be a historic moment for the World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.
‘We also spoke about how FIFA will takeover Times Square for the final weekend of the World Cup in 2026, during both the bronze final match and final.
‘These will be two incredible matches, featuring some of the best players in the world, and what better way to celebrate them than in the historic Times Square in New York City.
‘I also want to thank Chris Martin and Phil Harvey of Coldplay, who will be working with us at FIFA to finalise the list of artists who will perform during the half time show, as well as at Times Square.’
Infantino refused to confirm whether the usual half-time break of 15 minutes would be extended, but that would appear to be an inevitability given Super Bowl shows usually last up to 30 minutes.
The introduction of VAR, the creation of new tournaments and a saturated calendar have all been difficult to stomach for traditional fans of the game in recent years, but prospect of an extended break to accommodate what would, in effect, be an abbreviated pop concert, interrupting the biggest sport event on the planet is a step too far for some.
‘Taking to X, one fan said: ‘Oh god! Taking away the soul of football to make it a TV spectacle. The half time show is losing popularity even in the NFL. Why bring it to the FIFA WC?’
Another added: ‘Governing bodies in Europe are continually copying these Americans at sport and it’s completely ruining football. Nobody asked for this. Parasites.
And another disgruntled football fan said: ‘Why are those people so obsessed with killing the spirit of the sport taking the easy route of entertainment instead of putting the effort to develop appreciation for the game? How much longer can they milk that cow until it runs dry?’