Move over, Super Bowl? There's an even bigger – and splashier
The 2026 World Cup final is drawing parallels to the Super Bowl as preparations for an expanded, celebrity-heavy halftime show intensify.
What happened
The 2026 World Cup final will feature an extended halftime show lasting more than 15 minutes. The production includes multiple musical performances and a rendition of the U.S. national anthem, with FIFA providing official explanations for the inclusion of the anthem. Coverage from outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Reuters highlights the logistical challenges of maintaining the pitch during these festivities.
NBC News and Sports Illustrated point to the event's growing resemblance to the Super Bowl in both spectacle and scale. Public criticism has also emerged, with Robert Smith of The Cure commenting on the nature of the show. Observers are watching to see how the extended break impacts the flow of the match and the condition of the playing surface.
Coverage does not yet specify which additional celebrity acts will participate beyond those already reported.
Synthesized by headlinez.news from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 49d ago.
Who reported it (7)
- How the World Cup final is starting to look a lot like the Super Bowl NBC News · 51d ago
- The World Cup halftime show’s goals: Go fast and keep off the grass The Washington Post · 51d ago
- It’s a Crowded and Contested World Cup Halftime Show The New York Times · 51d ago
- The Cure’s Robert Smith Takes Aim at FIFA’s World Cup Final Half-Time Show: ‘Just F- - People.com · 51d ago
- Why are they performing the US national anthem at World Cup final? FIFA explains USA Today · 51d ago
- World Cup final halftime to last more than 15 minutes, broadcasting sources say Reuters · 51d ago
- Every Celebrity Set to Perform at the 2026 World Cup Final Sports Illustrated · 51d ago
Questions people are asking
How long will the World Cup final halftime show last?
Broadcasting sources cited by Reuters indicate the duration will exceed 15 minutes.
What is the primary concern regarding the halftime show?
Reports from The Washington Post note the necessity of keeping performers off the grass to protect the pitch.
Who has publicly criticized the halftime show?
Robert Smith of The Cure has expressed negative sentiment toward the production.
Momentum
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