FIFA first halftime show draws polarized fan response

The first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show, a star-studded spectacle curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, drew a sharply divided global reaction on Sunday, July 19, as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in a match that extended into extra time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The historic entertainment interlude, featuring performances by Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Burna Boy, and Coldplay, was modeled on the Super Bowl format and aimed to raise millions for children's education, but it left many viewers and commentators unimpressed.

The show opened with one of its most surreal moments as Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho drove Madonna onto the field in a small cart during her performance of "Music." This was followed by a segment from The Muppets, who performed The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" and paid tribute to the viral "Viking Row" celebration popularized by Norway's team during the tournament. K-pop group BTS performed their hit "Dynamite," while Justin Bieber delivered an acoustic rendition of "Everything Hallelujah" after being introduced in a comedy sketch by Jason Sudeikis in character as Ted Lasso. Shakira and Burna...