Noel Gallagher Says He Won’t Watch Chris Martin‑Curated World Cup Halftime Show
His comments underline a clash between long‑held football traditions and the Super Bowl‑style entertainment planned for the July 19 final.
Overview
- Noel Gallagher told talkSPORT that he does not like the planned halftime show and will not be watching the final performance, a stance he set out in interviews published on Wednesday.
- Organizers have confirmed a 15‑minute halftime set for the July 19 World Cup final curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin with performances by Madonna, Shakira and BTS.
- Gallagher said he still plans to attend the final and holds tickets, even though he rejected the halftime spectacle as unnecessary showmanship.
- The musician recalled turning down an offer to take part in England’s 1998 World Cup song and described the new halftime plans as ‘razzmatazz’ that change the character of football.
- The 2026 tournament is the first hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico and its addition of large entertainment moments has prompted a wider debate about American‑style spectacle in football and how fans experience major matches.