The BBC Plans To Skip Broadcasting The World Cup Final Halftime Show

Good news for everyone who hates the idea of the ‘Super Bowl style halftime show’ that’s set to take place at the World Cup final this summer – the BBC have confirmed that they will not be airing it.

Instead, the broadcaster is set to continue its usual blueprint of pundits analysing the first half with replays and tactical discussions (+ a million adverts, no doubt).

You will still be able to watch Shakira, Madonna, BTS and whoever else, but only on iPlayer and the BBC Sport app. If you’re watching live on TV like most people, you’re going to get punditry from Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Olivier Giroud and co. Just as it should be!

The BBC is not alone in this decision. Fellow UK rights-holder ITV is moving toward the exact same strategy, choosing to keep their TV interval focused on football punditry rather than the concert that the Americans are insisting upon us.

Listen, say what you want about the BBC. They’ve fvcked up massively on several fronts over the years, but they’ve got it spot on this time. Halftime is for getting a cup of tea or queuing up for a pint/line in the pub. Do they know their audience or do they know their audience?

I mean, imagine your country being 3-0 down at halftime in the World Cup final, and having to be subjected to Shakira belting out some tunes before the second half? Imagine being the players in the locker room having to endure that?

Not to mention – they’re probably going to have to extend the usual 15 minute halftime to something longer because how are they going to set everything up, have a concert, take everything apart, and allow subs to warm up in a 15 minute window? Just seems like such an unnecessary ball-ache just to accommodate this whole thing.

Fantastic for the artists who will get to play for the biggest international audience there is, and for FIFA to rake in a few extra million bucks. But incredibly annoying for the players and coaches and fans who have to sit through it. Fortunately for us in Blighty, we won’t have to.

Meanwhile, the Saudi ambassador has confirmed there will be no alcohol at the 2034 World Cup. Bummer.