Wayne Rooney blasts 'flat' FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime show as fans fire back

Wayne Rooney, the former England captain and football pundit, has slammed the FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime show as underwhelming and dull.

What happened at the halftime show?

On 18 June 2026, the FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime entertainment featured a star-studded lineup including Madonna, BTS, Shakira with Burna Boy, and Justin Bieber. The 27-minute-22-second performance was the longest in World Cup history and was curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. The show also included Sesame Street characters and aimed to raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

Rooney, watching as a pundit, called the show 'flat' and 'crap', admitting he only enjoyed it when it ended. He singled out Justin Bieber’s performance as particularly lackluster. 'I liked Burna Boy, I like Bieber, I like Shakira, but that was too flat,' Rooney said. His comments triggered immediate backlash from fans who argued the show was better than the first half of the match.

Why it matters for Wayne Rooney

Rooney’s blunt criticism contrasts sharply with the public’s reaction. While he found the entertainment uninspiring, social media erupted with praise for the performance. Fans called it 'better than the football' and even Oasis rocker Liam Gallagher weighed in, calling Bieber’s rendition of *Everything Hallelujah* 'good'-though he admitted the whole thing felt like 'a bad trip.'

The clash highlights Rooney’s no-nonsense punditry style. Known for his sharp opinions, he didn’t hold back, calling the show a distraction from the football. His remarks add fuel to ongoing debates about entertainment’s role in major sporting events.

What comes next for the World Cup 2026?

The tournament continues with the second half of the match resuming after the controversial halftime. The show’s length and content have already sparked discussions about tradition versus spectacle in football. Organizers defended the performance as a historic first and a fundraiser for global education.

Fans and pundits alike will watch closely as the World Cup progresses. Whether the entertainment stays or reverts to classic half-time norms remains to be seen-but Rooney’s take ensures the show stays in the spotlight.