The World Cup final’s halftime show was… interesting. It was certainly different from tournaments of the past, and required an unprecedented 30-minute break in play.
That was after a first half that offered very little in the way of entertainment from either side. But if you needed a distraction, some of the biggest celebrities in the world made an appearance — musicians, actors, soccer stars, you name it.
One of the biggest stars of the tournament, Erling Haaland, could be seen during the half-time break. But he wasn’t in the stadium. He was on the big screen.
46' – The halftime show reviews are coming in thick and fast! @gorriejonathan did not enjoy Justin Bieber's performance.
Erling Haaland features in halftime show with Viking Row
Haaland departed the World Cup as one of the stars of the tournament, having endeared himself with the US fans during his underdog run with Norway.
He took his country past Brazil to the quarter-finals, and Norway’s Viking Row celebration after every win is an iconic memory fans will have from the 2026 edition.
And it was referenced during the halftime show. As the Muppets performed (yes, seriously), Haaland appeared on the big screen banging the drum and leading the celebrations for his country.
It was a brief cameo from Haaland, but one that pays respect to how memorable that run was, and how fun those post-match celebrations were.
The jury is in on the halftime show. It was a crock of nonsense that has no place at a World Cup final. Especially because it meant the players had to deal with a 30-minute break for the first time in their careers.
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