Critics slam World Cup halftime show: The Cure and Oasis leaders speak out

Leaders of the British bands The Cure and Oasis have sharply criticized the halftime show planned for the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.

Robert Smith, the frontman for The Cure, expressed his strong disapproval on Instagram, posting "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH… #PanYCirco #MUGWANK #PorFavorLárguenseDeUnaVez." This came after FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the halftime spectacle as an "innovative" event celebrating "football, music, and our shared values."

Noel Gallagher, guitarist for Oasis, also revealed his disinterest in the show. "I don't like changes in football," he said, adding that while new rules might be good, he dislikes the "razzmatazz" that has disrupted the game's centuries-old format.

The halftime show, a first for a World Cup, aims to blend football, music, and shared values. The lineup includes Post Malone, Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 choir from New York, and characters from The Muppets and Plaza Sésamo, with Coldplay also slated to perform. The duration of the show, initially rumored to be 11 minutes, remains unconfirmed by FIFA.