{"id":368700,"date":"2026-07-19T12:31:07","date_gmt":"2026-07-19T07:01:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/?p=368700"},"modified":"2026-07-19T12:31:07","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T07:01:07","slug":"the-cures-robert-smith-slams-world-cup-final-halftime-show","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ebiztoday.news\/index.php\/2026\/07\/19\/the-cures-robert-smith-slams-world-cup-final-halftime-show\/","title":{"rendered":"The Cure’s Robert Smith Slams World Cup Final Halftime Show"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Cure\u2019s lead singer Robert Smith<\/strong> blasted FIFA\u2019s World Cup Final Halftime Show, set to feature music from Madonna<\/strong>, BTS, Justin Bieber<\/strong> and more.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe purpose isn’t really about who’s curating or performing, it’s concerning the #mugwank ideas of a football World Cup final half time show,\u201d Smith, 67, vented via Instagram<\/a> on Thursday, July 16.<\/p>\n

Ahead of the heavily-anticipated Sunday, July 9, match between Argentina and Spain at Metlife Stadium in Latest Jersey, the musician mocked a FIFA press statement that described the Halftime Show as a \u201cgroundbreaking spectacle\u201d that may \u201crejoice football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the ultimate whistle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Smith added his own unique caption, writing, \u201cAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n Robert Smith of The Cure<\/span> SUZANNE CORDEIRO\/AFP via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The singer hashtagged his post with references to \u201cbread and circuses\u201d \u2014 a political metaphor for superficially appealing to the masses \u2014 together with \u201c#MUGWANK\u201d \u201c#pleasejustf***off\u201d to make his contempt undeniable.<\/p>\n

In a second post, Smith clarified he was not upset with the performers who signed on to perform through the show \u2014 he simply opposed the concept of a ceremony involving FIFA President Gianni Infantino<\/strong> and U.S. President Donald Trump<\/strong> handing the World Cup trophy to the winning team.<\/p>\n

\u201cSadly, there aren’t enough A\u2019s left for the \u2018ARGH\u2019 that ought to follow,\u201d he quipped.<\/p>\n

FIFA announced in May that Coldplay\u2019s Chris Martin<\/strong> was curating a World Cup Final Halftime Show featuring Madonna, 67, BTS and Shakira<\/strong> to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which goals to boost $100 million to supply education opportunities and access to football training for youngsters internationally.<\/p>\n

\u201cActing at the World Cup final in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund is deeply meaningful to me,\u201d Madonna said on the time. \u201cWithout education, children are denied opportunity before they actually have a likelihood. Every child deserves access to a top quality learning \u2014 because education expands possibilities and creates lasting change.\u201d<\/p>\n

Earlier this month, FIFA expanded its all-star lineup by adding Bieber, 32, Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy<\/strong>, L.A. Philharmonic director Gustavo Dudamel<\/strong> and viral sensation PS 22 Chorus.<\/p>\n

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