‘Everything was a challenge’: How geopolitics became the World Cup halftime’s biggest hurdle
Global Citizen's Hugh Evans reveals the hidden costs of visas, health restrictions, and cross-border logistics in delivering the mammoth show
News By Hanna Ellington | 24 July 2026
Following the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, producer Hugh Evans of Global Citizen reveals how visas, geopolitical tensions, health restrictions, and cross-border logistics exposed the hidden costs of delivering a truly global production for one of the most-watched live performances of all time.
Produced by Global Citizen in partnership with Live Nation and Done + Dusted, and curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, the 350-performer spectacle lasted just 11 minutes on Sunday (19 July), ahead of Spain’s 1-0 victory…