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BTS, Shakira Lead 27-Minute World Cup Halftime, Criticized

7/22/2026

41 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The United States staged a 27-minute halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final, directed by Hamish Hamilton and featuring BTS and Shakira.
Hamilton said the grass pitch forced a redesign of stage sets, noting that the International Football Association Board warned halftime should stay under 15 minutes.
Fans and media condemned the spectacle as an unnecessary American-style addition, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino faced greed accusations.

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Story summary

The United States staged a 27-minute halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final, directed by Hamish Hamilton and featuring BTS and Shakira.
Hamilton said the grass pitch forced a redesign of stage sets, noting that the International Football Association Board warned halftime should stay under 15 minutes.
Fans and media condemned the spectacle as an unnecessary American-style addition, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino faced greed accusations.