Robert Smith slams FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime show and Infantino

Robert Smith, the frontman of The Cure, used Instagram on 17 July 2026 to denounce the planned halftime show for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He objected to the concept of a 30‑minute musical intermission curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin that will feature Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS and other acts, describing it as “bread and circuses” and posting the hashtags #MUGWANK, #pleasejustfuckoff and #breadandcircuses.

Smith also attacked FIFA President Gianni Infantino – whom he nicknamed “Infantosser” – and criticised U.S. President Donald Trump for being slated to present the trophy alongside Infantino. He clarified his criticism targets the idea of a halftime show at a World Cup final, not the individual performers. The show is the first ever halftime performance in a World Cup final, intended to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, and will take place during the match between Spain and Argentina on 19 July 2026.