The first-ever World Cup Final halftime show is set to be a spectacle, with global superstars Shakira, Madonna, and BTS taking the stage at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19. But for British viewers, catching the show might require some creative streaming.
According to a report from GB News' Lewis Henderson, the BBC has no intention of airing the halftime concert during its broadcast of the men's World Cup final. Instead, the network plans to stick with its traditional studio analysis featuring pundits like Alan Shearer, Cesar Azpilicueta, Olivier Giroud, and Wayne Rooney. While the BBC hasn't officially confirmed the decision, Henderson speculates the performance may only be available on the network's digital platforms.
The decision has sparked debate, especially given the massive popularity of halftime shows in American sports. It's hard to imagine U.S. networks skipping a Super Bowl halftime performance for post-game analysis—but the BBC is betting that die-hard football fans would rather hear expert breakdowns than watch Shakira belt out her World Cup anthem "Dai Dai."
FIFA announced the star-studded lineup on May 14, hoping to replicate the cultural phenomenon of the Super Bowl halftime show. The event, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, will also feature appearances from The Muppets and Sesame Street characters to promote early childhood education. FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the performers "global icons whose music transcends borders and generations" and tied the show to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
Shakira, who performed at the 2010 World Cup kickoff concert, said her goal is to use the world's biggest stage to highlight the importance of investing in children's education. "My hope is that on the world’s biggest stage, the importance of investing in children’s education steals the show," she said in a press release.
The BBC's reported snub comes amid a broader conversation about how broadcasters balance entertainment and analysis during major sporting events. While American audiences have embraced the Super Bowl's halftime extravaganza, British viewers have historically been more focused on the match itself. Still, with three global superstars headlining, some fans may feel they're missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Whether the BBC's decision holds or the network caves to public pressure remains to be seen. One thing is certain: come July 19, British fans hoping to see Madonna, BTS, and Shakira share a stage will need to keep their phones close and their streaming apps open.
