Fans Criticize Woke Halftime Show During Club World Cup Final but Praise Surprise Guest Appearance

The decision to include a halftime entertainment segment during the Club World Cup final drew mixed reactions from football fans. The show took place during Sunday’s match between Chelsea and PSG at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Performers included reggaeton artist J Balvin, rapper Doja Cat, Nigerian singer Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly. Notably, Chris Martin from Coldplay made a surprise appearance on stage, marking the first time FIFA sanctioned a halftime show during its tournaments, aiming to appeal to the American audience hosted in the U.S.

Reactions on social media were divided. Some fans dismissed the entertainment as unnecessary and questioned the focus on music. One commenter called it “utter woke nonsense,” while others expressed confusion over the apparent shift away from traditional football events. Several supporters felt the tournament was prioritizing musical performances over the sport itself, with some noting that it felt out of place during such a significant fixture.

Despite the criticism, some viewers appreciated Tems’ performance, praising her presence at the event. Opinions on the overall spectacle varied, with many sharing their bewilderment or disappointment online.

The match itself was lively, with Chelsea leading 3-0 at halftime through goals from Cole Palmer—who scored twice—and new signing Joao Pedro. Nonetheless, the tournament has faced scrutiny due to the extreme summer heat conditions in the United States, with temperatures soaring above 35°C. This has raised concerns among players and coaches about how such weather might impact next year’s World Cup, scheduled from June to July across North America.