World Cup final halftime show was a panicked attempt to entertain all

The first-ever halftime show at a World Cup final aimed for broad appeal but ultimately felt like a "panicked attempt to entertain everyone," leaving viewers bewildered.

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The result was confusing. Everything can be fixed with tape or love. This time, love was chosen.

The 11-minute performance attempted to cram too much in, offering little of genuine substance. Artists like Madonna, K-pop group BTS, and Justin Bieber performed hits such as "Music," "Dynamite," and "Hallelujah." While the artists themselves were not the issue, the lack of time allocated to each prevented any memorable moments from developing. The show featured Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, seemingly as a gesture to appease frustrated fans.

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The biggest problem with the whole was the corny-feeling world-improvement ethos.

A major criticism was the show's "corny" world-improvement ethos, emphasizing unity, joy, and love through lyrics and performances. This message felt particularly dissonant in a time of evident global conflict, making the sentiment difficult to accept as authentic. The choice of older songs, like those from the 2000s and early 2000s, suggested a reluctance to take risks, contributing to the overall blandness.

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The message is difficult to buy in a time when global conflicts are more visible in sports than ever before.

Even the inclusion of artists like Post Malone, who was given ample time before the match, highlighted the rushed pacing of the halftime show. The performance became increasingly crowded, with a large ensemble of performers during the PS22 choir segment, leaving viewers questioning the overall direction and impact. Ultimately, the show's frantic rhythm and lack of a clear, cohesive artistic vision left both performers and audiences wondering what had just happened.

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The frantic rhythm felt confusing also because Post Malone was given plenty of time alone to perform before the evening match in the closing ceremony.