Key Takeaways
- Robert Smith of The Cure criticized the half-time show at the FIFA World Cup final.
- Smith described the event as a 'MUGWANK IDEA' and called for it to be canceled.
- The show, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, will feature Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and BTS.
Rock musician Robert Smith of The Cure has expressed his disdain for the half-time show at Sunday's FIFA World Cup final. In a pair of posts on The Cure’s official Instagram profile, Smith blasted the event, which is set to feature popular artists including Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and the K-pop boyband BTS.
Smith's initial post read: 'The half-time show, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, will feature Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and the K-pop boyband BTS. FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, has described the half-time show as a ‘groundbreaking spectacle’ that will celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.' AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH… #Breadandcircuses #MUGWANK #pleasejustf–koff.
Smith later clarified his stance, stating: 'The point is not really about who is curating or performing, it is about the MUGWANK IDEA of a football World Cup final half-time show. If you now understand my AAAAAAAAGH! bit better, but still don't agree, please adjust your red cap, your I 🖤 JANNY + DONNY + $$ T-shirt and… knock yourself out? Onwards… RSX PS. “Infantino has said he and US president Trumpton will small hand over trophy on Sunday”. SADLY, THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH A'S LEFT FOR THE ‘ARGH’ THAT SHOULD FOLLOW… #breadandcircuses #pleasejustf–koff #f–kfifa #justlookup.'
Smith's criticism comes as the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain is set to take place at New York/New Jersey Stadium. The event will mark the first time a half-time show has been included in the final, with broadcasters expecting it to run for 30 minutes, violating FIFA’s own rules.
The introduction of 'hydration breaks' during the first and second halves of the match has also faced criticism from fans, who often booed the breaks in the stadium. The World Cup final is expected to see President Trump alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino award the winner the coveted trophy.
Smith's comments reflect a growing dissatisfaction among football fans with the commercialization of the sport and the inclusion of non-essential elements such as half-time shows. His criticism highlights the tension between traditionalists who value the purity of the game and those who see it as an opportunity for entertainment and marketing.
The Cure is currently touring through Europe, with their next show scheduled to take place on Friday in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The band's long-standing support for west London team Queens Park Rangers adds a local angle to Smith’s criticism, given the upcoming match between England and Argentina.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH… #Breadandcircuses #MUGWANK #pleasejustf–koff.
Robert Smith, Musician from The Cure
The point is not really about who is curating or performing, it is about the MUGWANK IDEA of a football World Cup final half-time show. If you now understand my AAAAAAAAGH! bit better, but still don't agree, please adjust your red cap, your I 🖤 JANNY + DONNY + $$ T-shirt and… knock yourself out?
Robert Smith, Musician from The Cure
