Pop Stars Perform Record-Breaking Halftime Show at World Cup Final
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Madonna, BTS, Shakira, and Justin Bieber performed a record-breaking 27-minute halftime show at the World Cup final, sparking controversy over its length and drawing mixed reactions from viewers and commentators like Wayne Rooney.
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Why It Matters
The World Cup final featured a record-breaking 27-minute, 22-second halftime show with performances by pop giants, exceeding the International Football Association Board's 15-minute maximum.
Pop giants Madonna, BTS, Shakira and Justin Bieber have performed for thousands of spectators at the World Cup final in a half-time show to rival the Superbowl.
Madonna, who sung her hit song Music - seemed to appear from tunnels under the arena, joined by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
The performances came in a half-time that ran to 27 minutes and 22 seconds - the longest in World Cup history.
The length of the half-time show had already caused controversy, with the International Football Association Board (Ifab) rules stating players are only entitled to a maximum 15-minute stoppage.
Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian musician Burna Boy reunited on stage after performing together at the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City last month.
Italian singer Pausini told the BBC she had goosebumps when Williams invited her to sing alongside him.
But not everyone was thrilled by the half-time performance.
Former England player Wayne Rooney, who was part of the commentary team for the BBC, gave his instant reaction: "I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was crap."
