FIFA’s decision to introduce a halftime show during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final has sparked mixed reactions among football fans around the world. While the announcement of stars Shakira, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and BTS generated excitement, many supporters questioned whether a concert-style performance belongs in football’s biggest event.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, concluded with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in the small hours of Monday. For the first time in the tournament’s history, FIFA held an entertainment show during halftime, similar to the Super Bowl tradition in the United States.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the halftime show was intended to make the World Cup final a larger global entertainment event and attract a wider audience. The performance featured internationally recognized artists, including Shakira, known for her iconic World Cup songs Waka Waka and La La La, former boy wonder Justin Bieber along with pop legend Madonna and South Korean music group BTS. FIFA said the event will celebrate football, music, and culture on one stage.

However, the announcement has divided fans and football experts. Many welcomed the idea, saying it would make the final more entertaining and help attract younger audiences. They said the presence of world-famous artists will increase the tournament’s global appeal and create an unforgettable experience for spectators.

Others, including seminal punk rock band The Cure frontman Robert Smith, strongly criticized the decision, arguing that football traditions should not be changed. Critics fear that extending the halftime break for a concert could affect players’ physical rhythm, preparation, and match intensity. Some fans also said the focus should remain on the sport rather than celebrity performances.

FIFA assured that the performance was carefully planned to avoid disrupting the match while maintaining high production standards. Security, stage setup, and broadcast arrangements were also coordinated to ensure a smooth event.

As of now, the halftime show remains one of the most talked-about aspects of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final apart from the boorish behavior of the Argentine squad.

Spain are the new FIFA World Cup champions after defeating Argentina 1-0 following extra time in a hard-fought final, ending the defending champions’ reign and lifting the trophy for the second time.

The match remained deadlocked until Ferran Torres found the breakthrough in extra time, scoring the only goal of the contest to hand Spain football’s biggest prize.

Ferran Torres seals Spain’s historic triumph

Spain and Argentina battled through a tense final before Torres produced the decisive moment in extra time. The goal proved enough to separate the two sides as Spain secured their second FIFA World Cup title.

The victory also brought Argentina’s successful title defence to an end after a closely contested encounter.

Lionel Messi ends campaign in tears

The defeat marked an emotional conclusion for Lionel Messi, who is widely expected to have played his final FIFA World Cup match.

After receiving his runners-up medal, the Argentina captain was seen leaving the field in tears following his team’s narrow defeat.

Trophy ceremony draws mixed reaction

The medal and trophy presentation was attended by U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Leaders from fellow tournament co-hosts Canada and Mexico were also present for the final.

Trump and Infantino were booed by sections of the crowd during the trophy ceremony.

Star-studded halftime show grabs attention

Apart from the football action, the World Cup final also featured a high-profile halftime entertainment show inspired by the Super Bowl format.

The performance included Shakira, Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Burna Boy, with the show curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.

India have made a late change to their squad for the third and final ODI against England after all-rounder Washington Sundar was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Saturday that left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey has been added to the squad for the series decider at Lord’s.

Washington Sundar ruled out with hamstring injury

Sundar sustained a right hamstring injury during the second ODI against England at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. The injury has forced him to miss Sunday’s decisive encounter.

According to the BCCI, the all-rounder will undergo scans and seek specialist medical opinion to determine the next course of treatment.

His absence comes as a setback for India ahead of the final ODI, with the three-match series level after England won the second match.

Harsh Dubey earns another opportunity

Harsh Dubey replaces Sundar in the Indian squad after making his ODI debut against Afghanistan in Dharamshala in June, where he returned figures of 3/47.

The young all-rounder was also part of the India A side that secured a 1-0 red-ball series victory in Sri Lanka. During the tour, he claimed four wickets and contributed scores of 30 and 29 with the bat.

Dubey joins India’s spin department alongside Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav for the Lord’s clash.

Zimbabwe assignment after England series

Following the conclusion of the England ODI series, Dubey will travel to Zimbabwe for India’s three-match series beginning on July 23 in Harare. The remaining matches are scheduled for July 25 and July 26 at the Harare Sports Club.

India’s squad for the third ODI

Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav and Harsh Dubey.