The Cure’s Robert Smith criticizes World Cup final halftime show
The show, curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, is set to feature Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS and more.
Photo by Harmony Gerber/Getty Images
The past week has been filled with announcements regarding FIFA’s ever-expanding setlist for the half-time show of the World Cup final. The show, which will take place at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium this Sunday (July 19), will feature performances from artists including Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and curator Chris Martin. But one band unlikely not to make a surprise appearance is The Cure. On Thursday, frontman Robert Smith was not shy with his criticism of the show in a post made to the band’s official Instagram page.
Renaming FIFA President Gianni Infantino to “Gianni Infantosser,” Smith quoted Infantino’s statement describing the show as a “groundbreaking spectacle” that will “celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle,” before succinctly appending: “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH… #Breadandcircuses #MUGWANK #pleasejustfuckoff.” Smith elaborated in a second post made on Friday, writing: “the point is not really about who is curating or performing, it is about the #mugwank ideas of a football World Cup final half time show.”
The show is a first for its kind, following the model of the Super Bowl halftime show. It will involve extending the standard 15-minute break for players—the half-time show is set to last between 20 and 25 minutes. There will also be performances from artists including Post Malone, Nicole Scherzinger, and Robbie Williams at the closing ceremony before the match, as well as a guest appearance from Tom Cruise.
In his post, Smith went on to say that if readers “still didn’t agree” with his frustration, “please adjust your red cap, your ‘I 🖤 janny + donny + $$$’ Tshirt and… knock yourself out? Onwards…” He finished by saying: “PS. Infantosser has said he and US President Trumpton will small hand over [the] trophy on Sunday. Sadly, there are not enough a’s left for the ‘argh’ that should follow… #breadandcircuses #pleasejustfuckoff #fuckfifa #justlookup.”
On Thursday, the White House confirmed that Trump would attend Sunday’s final match. FIFA President Infantino (a.k.a. Infantosser) confirmed plans for Trump to present the trophy to the winning team, adding that “that’s how it’s always been done in the past.” The Cure is currently touring across the UK and Europe, with outdoor shows scheduled in Manchester and Edinburgh for the end of August. Last month, Smith revealed that the band had completed a follow-up to their 2024 album, Songs of a Lost World.
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