Leo Varadkar criticised for promoting World Cup final half-time show
James Cox
Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar has been widely criticised over his promotion of the World Cup final half-time show.
Varadkar has worked in a number of different areas since leaving politics, including at US universities.
He was appointed to the Europe board of directors for the international advocacy organization Global Citizen in September 2025.
Through this role, he actively supports initiatives like the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund.
Some of the proceeds from the half-time show will go to this fund, and Varadkar was speaking about this in a post about the show.
He wrote: "The first ever FIFA World Cup half-time show airs tonight. It's only 11 minutes long but it's going to be super special. There'll still be time for half-time commentary and ads (and a toilet break) depending on the network or platform you watch. $60 million raised already for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund."
The first ever FIFA World Cup half-time show airs tonight. It's only 11 minutes long but it's going to be super special. There'll still be time for half-time commentary and ads (and a toilet break) depending on the network or platform you watch. $60 million raised already for… https://t.co/9mAZNZq0ws
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) July 19, 2026
Fans were already unhappy with the half-time show, with some arguing it is an attempt from Fifa to move football more towards the commercialism of American Football.
The show will feature performances from the likes of Shakira, BTS, and Justin Bieber. It will be up to 25 minutes, and possibly more.
The International Football Association Board (Ifab) states players are entitled to a maximum 15-minute stoppage. Some fans also fear the break, at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, could ruin the flow of the game.
Varadkar's post has received a hugely negative reaction online. Some told him to stay out of football, while others accused him of taking money from Fifa.
Others also said he should be more focused on the All-Ireland hurling final as a former taoiseach.
Former Taoiseach and Irish Sports Minister on the day of the All Ireland hurling final 🤦🏻♂️ https://t.co/5GAFWd0HXS
— Gearóid Óg (@gearoid_og) July 19, 2026
Football players and fans are being screwed over to pander to and appease gobshites like this. All this American shite has no place in football https://t.co/abBv2qNnjV
— Roibeard Breathnach 🇮🇪 (@rfwalsh86) July 19, 2026
Tell me you do not understand football without telling me you don't understand football https://t.co/reZYqqyE2t
— Marc O'Reachtaire (@o_reachtaire) July 19, 2026
People who have no idea about sport shouldn't be allowed promote things that will ruin it.
The half time show isn't suitable for a game of international football.
It's not a game of set plays like NFL.
Such ill informed drivel.
If its for such a good cause, then do it at the… https://t.co/qwiXDsrTTj
— Luke O' Connor (@LOCthedreamer2) July 19, 2026
We don't want half time shows, this is not American football.#FuckFIFA. https://t.co/AwocxRXs55
— Revolution (@Revolution_IRL) July 19, 2026
Leo's new PR role, help sell the world cup half time show. He says it's only 11 minutes long, but the half time break will be 30 minutes. A complete break with footballing tradition. https://t.co/bQgSW3EHw4
— Garvan Gallagher (@GallagherGarvan) July 19, 2026
“Super special” he says. Must be on the payroll https://t.co/yAcEHcLrBR
— Cian Muldoon (@duncandiscs) July 19, 2026
I was on the fence when the half time show was promoted by Infantino, Trump and even Satan but I'm definitely against it now... https://t.co/RwBGngx8wn
— Anthony Falvey (@TheFalve) July 19, 2026
