In a stunning display of honesty, Wayne Rooney criticized the inaugural halftime show during the FIFA World Cup final on July 19, 2026, calling it "crap" and expressing his desire for the football to resume.
Why it matters: The halftime show, featuring iconic artists, marked a departure from traditional soccer culture, which typically does not include such spectacles. Fans and analysts are questioning whether this trend will continue in future tournaments.
This was the first time FIFA staged a halftime show during the World Cup final, inspired by the Super Bowl's halftime extravaganzas.
Performers included Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, who made a memorable entrance in a buggy.
The halftime show lasted 27 minutes and 18 seconds, exceeding FIFA's stipulated 15-minute limit for halftime breaks.
Driving the news: The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina ended the first half in a goalless draw, with Spain showing more attacking intent. The halftime show was intended to energize the crowd but instead left many feeling confused and disappointed.
The opening 45 minutes saw Spain dominate possession, yet neither team managed to score, leading to high expectations for the halftime entertainment.
Rooney's critique came during his analysis for the BBC, where he did not hold back his feelings about the performance.
Delays before the match included a six-minute postponement due to the pre-match show and heightened security measures caused by Donald Trump's appearance at MetLife Stadium.
State of play: Rooney's comments ignited discussions about the appropriateness of halftime shows in soccer, a sport traditionally focused on the game itself rather than entertainment.
Rooney stated, "I like a lot of those artists, but I thought it was crap. I did, honestly. It just didn’t get me going. I want the football to come back on."
His criticism contrasted with fellow pundits Micah Richards and Joe Hart, who highlighted moments featuring Shakira and Burna Boy and the spectacle of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho driving Madonna onto the field.
Fans expressed mixed reactions, with some enjoying the novelty, but many soccer purists felt it detracted from the game.
The big picture: This halftime show could signal a shift in how global soccer events are presented, potentially leading to similar formats in future tournaments.
American audiences are more accustomed to halftime shows, which may explain some of the disconnect with traditional soccer fans.
Rooney, who has experience in American sports from his time as an MLS coach, remains skeptical about adopting such entertainment in English football.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino had announced plans for the show in March 2025, aiming to attract a wider audience and create a festive atmosphere.
What they're saying: Rooney's frank assessment has resonated with many fans who share his sentiments about the halftime show.
Gabby Logan, the BBC host, noted, "I’ll tell you what else you get on the BBC: honest reviews."
Rooney's comments have been shared widely, with many praising his candidness in a world often filled with polished critiques.
Some fans reacted positively to the performances, particularly the star power of the artists involved, but the consensus seems to lean toward Rooney's viewpoint.
By the numbers: The halftime show featured a staggering lineup of performers and lasted longer than allowed.
27 minutes and 18 seconds: Duration of the halftime show, significantly over FIFA's 15-minute rule.
5 major performers: Included Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Burna Boy, among others.
0 goals: The score at halftime of the final match between Spain and Argentina.
Between the lines: Rooney's critique reflects broader concerns about maintaining the integrity and focus of soccer.
Soccer fans are traditionally less receptive to halftime entertainment, viewing it as a distraction from the match.
The disjointed nature of the show, described as chaotic, did not resonate with viewers who expected a more cohesive performance.
Many fans are left questioning whether FIFA will continue this trend or revert to a more traditional approach in future tournaments.
What's next: The fallout from this halftime show may influence how FIFA approaches entertainment in future World Cups.
FIFA will likely evaluate fan feedback and ratings to determine the future of halftime shows.
Rooney's strong opinions may encourage other pundits to voice their thoughts more openly, fostering a culture of honesty in sports commentary.
As the next World Cup approaches, fans will follow closely closely to see if FIFA adjusts its entertainment strategy based on this year's reception.