The Cure’s Robert Smith Takes Aim at FIFA’s World Cup Final Half-Time Show: ‘Just F- - - Off’
The Cure’s Robert Smith Takes Aim at FIFA’s World Cup Final Half-Time Show: ‘Just F- - - Off’
Lily BrownSat, July 18, 2026 at 4:18 AM UTC
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Robert Smith performs with The Cure during the Roskilde Festival 2026 at Roskilde Dyrskuepladsen on July 1, 2026Credit: Corbis via Getty -
Robert Smith criticized FIFA’s first World Cup final halftime show, calling it a “#MUGWANK” idea on Instagram
The show, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, features Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS with an extended halftime
Smith clarified his frustration is with the concept, not the performers, and mocked FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s involvement
Robert Smith isn’t holding back about FIFA’s first-ever World Cup final halftime show.
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain on Sunday, July 19, The Cure frontman blasted the new entertainment spectacle in a pair of posts shared to the band’s official Instagram account, making it clear he has little interest in seeing the sport embrace a Super Bowl-style production.
The inaugural halftime show, curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, is set to feature performances from Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS during the match at New York/New Jersey Stadium. While halftime in soccer is traditionally 15 minutes, broadcasters expect the break to run closer to 30 minutes to accommodate the performance.
Robert Smith of The Cure performs onstage during Isle of Wight Festival at Seaclose Park on June 21, 2026Credit: Mark Holloway/Redferns
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Sharing a description of the event alongside his own commentary, Smith made it clear he wasn’t impressed by FIFA’s plans for the World Cup final, taking aim at both the halftime show and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“The half-time show, which has been curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, will feature Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and the K-pop boyband BTS. Fifa’s president, Gianni Infantosser, has described the half-time show as ‘groundbreaking spectacle’ that will ‘celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.’ AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH… #Breadandcircuses #MUGWANK #pleasejustf–koff,” he captioned on an Instagram post.
A few hours later, the rocker returned to Instagram after some fans interpreted his post as criticism of the performers themselves. Smith clarified that his frustration was directed at the concept of a halftime show, not the artists taking part.
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Robert Smith of The Cure performs during the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival 2009 on April 19, 2009Credit: John Shearer/WireImage
“sigh…,” Smith started his second post. “FOR THOSE OF US NOT QUITE GETTING IT: THE POINT IS NOT R E A L L Y ABOUT W H O IS CURATING OR PERFORMING, IT IS ABOUT THE #MUGWANK I D E A OF A FOOTBALL WORLD CUP FINAL HALF TIME SHOW... IF YOU NOW UNDERSTAND MY ‘AAAAAAAGH!’ A BIT BETTER, BUT STILL DON’T AGREE, PLEASE ADJUST YOUR RED CAP, YOUR ‘I 🖤 JANNY + DONNY + $$$’ TSHIRT AND… KNOCK YOURSELF OUT? ONWARDS... RSX PS.”
Smith also referenced Infantino and President Donald Trump’s planned appearance during the trophy presentation.
“Infantosser 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…,” he wrote.
Smith’s comments come as FIFA faces criticism over the expanded halftime break, which has prompted comparisons to the NFL’s Super Bowl halftime show. The governing body has also drawn backlash from some fans over the introduction of hydration breaks during matches, with spectators reportedly booing the stoppages at stadiums.
The Cure frontman has long been an outspoken football fan and is a devoted supporter of Queens Park Rangers. His latest remarks came just days after England’s World Cup run ended with a 2-1 loss to Argentina, a defeat that also saw Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger caught on camera reacting in disappointment.
The first-ever World Cup final halftime show will air live from MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, The Cure is continuing its European festival run, with its next performance set for Friday, July 17, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
