The 2026 World Cup final in New York is set to feature a halftime show headlined by Donald Trump, alongside pop stars Shakira, BTS, and Madonna, according to reports. The decision has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many accusing organizers of politicizing the sport's biggest event.
Star-Studded Lineup Includes Trump
The halftime spectacle, scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, will see the former president take the stage in a segment described as a 'celebration of American exceptionalism.' Sources close to the production confirmed that Trump will deliver a brief address before introducing the musical acts. The show is expected to last 25 minutes, longer than typical Super Bowl halftime performances.
FIFA and local organizers have defended the decision, stating that the event aims to showcase 'unity and diversity.' However, critics argue that featuring a polarizing political figure undermines the apolitical spirit of the tournament. 'Football should bring people together, not divide them along partisan lines,' said a spokesperson for the Football Supporters' Association.
Backlash from Fans and Players
The announcement has sparked backlash across social media, with hashtags like #BoycottWorldCup and #KeepPoliticsOutOfFootball trending. Several prominent players have also voiced their displeasure. 'This is not about politics; it's about the beautiful game,' tweeted a current England international, who requested anonymity. 'I'm here to play football, not to be part of a political rally.'
According to a poll conducted by YouGov, 62% of respondents opposed the inclusion of a political figure in the halftime show, with only 18% in favor. The remaining 20% were undecided. The survey of 1,500 adults had a margin of error of 3 percentage points.
Organizers Stand by Decision
Despite the outcry, organizers remain steadfast. 'The World Cup is a global platform, and we are proud to have President Trump participate in this celebration of sport and culture,' said a spokesperson for the local organizing committee. They emphasized that the event is nonpartisan and that Trump was invited as a 'cultural icon.'
Musical acts have also faced pressure to withdraw. Shakira's representatives declined to comment, while BTS's management issued a statement saying the group 'looks forward to performing for fans worldwide.' Madonna has not publicly addressed the controversy.
Impact on the Tournament
The controversy threatens to overshadow the final itself, which will feature the world's top two teams. Ticket sales for the match have reportedly dipped following the announcement, with secondary market prices dropping by 12%. Sponsors, including Coca-Cola and Adidas, have remained silent but are said to be monitoring the situation closely.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the show, calling it 'a unique opportunity to showcase American culture.' However, internal sources suggest that some FIFA officials are uneasy about the politicization of the event.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament approaches, the debate shows no signs of abating. Some fans have announced plans to boycott the halftime show by leaving their seats during the performance. Others are calling for a petition to remove Trump from the lineup.
The 2026 World Cup is the first to be hosted by three nations—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—and the first to feature 48 teams. The final is expected to draw a global audience of over 1 billion viewers.
