Viewers have compared the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony to the World Cup's first ever half-time show, with many claiming Glasgow's celebration was the better spectacle.
Following Thursday night's (July 23) event at the Hydro, one social media user shared a tongue-in-cheek comparison on X: 'Nothing will ever top that WC final halftime sh*t show. Scotland Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 be like 'Hawd my beer...''
Scottish culture and comedy take centre stage
The ceremony combined comedy, music and Scottish culture, with a Doctor Who inspired sketch featuring Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy. The six-time Olympic champion traveled in the Tardis to Balmoral Castle and beyond before stepping out with King Charles and Queen Camilla to huge cheers.
The show then moved into the athletes' parade, with appearances from a giant Tunnock's teacake, the Loch Ness Monster, pipers and Outlander star Sam Heughan. The 14,000-strong crowd joined pipers and drummers for a rendition of Flower of Scotland before King Charles officially opened the Games.
The night ended with a concert featuring Tom Walker, KT Tunstall, Callum Beattie, Nathan Evans and Nina Nesbitt.
World Cup half-time show compared
The World Cup staged its first-ever half-time show during the final on Sunday, July 19, when Spain defeated Argentina. The 11-minute show, curated by Chris Martin, featured Madonna, BTS, Shakira, Justin Bieber and Burna Boy, representing different nations.
Madonna arrived on the pitch in a buggy driven by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Shakira and Burna Boy performed the official World Cup track Dai Dai, and BTS made their return after a three-year hiatus.
Despite the global stars, some viewers felt the performance lacked the atmosphere and personality of Glasgow's Commonwealth Games opener.
