This year’s World Cup will go down in history for many reasons. Not only because it was the first to feature 48 national teams or because it was hosted in three different countries, but also because it significantly changed the experience of a soccer match.

Hydration breaks, stoppages due to severe weather, high ticket prices, and, overall, a World Cup that was less accessible than ever. The biggest change, however, came during the final at MetLife Stadium, where FIFA presented—for the first time in the tournament’s history—a halftime show modeled after the Super Bowl.

The event was organized in collaboration with Global Citizen, with Coldplay’s Chris Martin serving as artistic director. The stadium was transformed into a massive music stage, featuring colorful choreography, lighting, and powerfully symbolic messages.

The rainbow dominated the show’s visuals, highlighting diversity and multiculturalism, while the white costumes of the hundreds of volunteers and the PS22 Chorus symbolized peace. Another highlight was the appearance of the Muppets and Elmo, who delivered a message in support of protecting childhood and ensuring access to education for all children.

The stage featured both pre-recorded and live segments of the program, with top names in the global music scene such as Shakira, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and BTS, with FIFA presenting the event as a global celebration that brings together music, sports, and social messages.

However, the biggest topic of discussion was not the show’s content, but its length. FIFA had previously announced that the halftime break for the final would be extended from the standard 15 to 17 minutes to accommodate the Halftime Show. In practice, however, the break lasted 27 minutes—nearly twice as long as that of a regular soccer match.

The spectacle was impressive and was one of the most ambitious productions FIFA has ever presented. At the same time, however, it sparked a major debate over whether soccer can adopt elements from the American sports model without affecting the character and pace of the game itself.

*photo source: AP