The first-ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final has divided opinions across the internet.

The eclectic performance opened with Madonna singing her 2000 hit “Music,” alongside Brazilian football legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, who celebrated their World Cup victory together in 2002.

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This was followed by a unique collaboration featuring The Muppets and Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who lent their talents to a rendition of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army.” K-pop sensation BTS showcased their 2020 single “Dynamite,” while cameo appearances from Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso and Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard entertained the audience. Justin Bieber presented an acoustic version of his 2025 single “Everything Hallelujah,” and Shakira performed along with Burna Boy on their World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” concluding with Coldplay, accompanied by a children’s choir.

The halftime break lasted 27 minutes and 19 seconds, causing a delay in the match’s restart between Argentina and Spain and frustrating many fans. According to the rules set by IFAB (the International Football Association Board), halftime breaks should “not exceed 15 minutes.”

One user on X criticized the show, using a The Godfather meme and writing: “Halftime show at World Cup final. Look how they massacred my beautiful game,” imitating Don Corleone’s line after his son Sonny’s assassination.

Oasis singer Liam Gallagher also weighed in, writing: “It’s a good job I’ve got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge.”

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Some viewers expressed concerns that the lengthy show could affect the players, with one user writing: “The players should have not tolerate that. It’s the biggest game of most of their careers and they should not be bending their routines around half-hour halftime shows.”

However, some viewers were impressed by the spectacle. One user wrote: “Didn’t even know there was a World Cup halftime show and it’s better than any Super Bowl halftime show I’ve ever seen.”

Some social media users took the opportunity to poke fun at certain players, with one observing: “Madonna with more World Cup Final appearances than Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Former England player Wayne Rooney described the show as “crap” during the BBC’s coverage, while Gary Neville expressed his enjoyment, and ITV Sport colleague Wright noted that Burna Boy “saved it” with his performance alongside Shakira.

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Despite some negative reactions, Roy Keane described the experience as “a bit of an anti-climax,” adding: “But listen, it’s so nice to see Shakira.”

The halftime show has sparked controversy for FIFA, which has altered the sport’s structure during the tournament, introducing hydration breaks to divide each half into two intervals, resembling formats in American sports.