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Cure Frontman Slams FIFA’s Star-Studded Halftime Spectacle

7/18/2026

Summary

Robert Smith Condemns

Robert Smith, frontman of The Cure, condemned FIFA’s halftime show.
FIFA will stretch the 15-minute halftime break to an 11-minute act, possibly 30 minutes, breaching rules.
The halftime show, curated by Chris Martin, will feature Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the show a “groundbreaking spectacle,” prompting Robert Smith to dub him “Infantosser” and criticize the spectacle and the trophy hand-off with President Donald Trump.

Summary

FIFA Extends Halftime

FIFA changed the Laws of the Game to allow a halftime longer than 15 minutes for a 25-minute show.
The halftime act supports a $100 million fundraiser for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and adds Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus to Madonna, Shakira, BTS and Justin Bieber.
Organizers call the halftime act a historic sport-music blend intended to leave a lasting legacy.

History

Historical Context

FIFA’s 2010 World Cup opening ceremony in Johannesburg on 11 June 2010, declared open by President Jacob Zuma, featured 1,500 performers and cost roughly £3 billion in stadium upgrades, sparking debate over commercial excess. Sepp Blatter hailed it a financial success despite lower-than-expected tourism revenue, a legacy that now frames criticism of the planned 25-minute halftime show curated by Chris Martin.

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Robert Smith Condemns

Robert Smith, frontman of The Cure, condemned FIFA’s halftime show.
FIFA will stretch the 15-minute halftime break to an 11-minute act, possibly 30 minutes, breaching rules.
The halftime show, curated by Chris Martin, will feature Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the show a “groundbreaking spectacle,” prompting Robert Smith to dub him “Infantosser” and criticize the spectacle and the trophy hand-off with President Donald Trump.

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