Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United legend and BBC pundit, delivered a blunt verdict on the World Cup final half-time show, telling millions of viewers: 'I like a lot of them artists but I thought it was crap.' The show, which featured Madonna, Justin Bieber, and even Kermit the Frog, transformed the pitch at the MetLife Stadium in New York into a stage during the goalless first half between Spain and Argentina.
Celebrity Reactions and Online Fury
Liam Gallagher also weighed in on social media, tweeting: 'This is like a bad trip.' He added: 'It's a good job I've got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge.' However, he did praise Bieber, saying 'Justin rules.' Online reactions were sharply divided, with one X user posting: 'Actually the half time show was more fun than the game,' while another called it 'Absolute pants..terrible show, football doesn't do half time shows. Football has 15mins to get to the loo, grab a snack & drink.. bum back on seat, so simple.'
Star-Studded Lineup and FIFA's Rule Break
Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin curated the half-time show, assembling a cast including Shakira, Burna Boy (co-writer of the World Cup anthem), K-pop sensations BTS, and Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel of the New York Philharmonic. FIFA allowed an extended half-time interval, breaking its own rules, to accommodate the lengthy entertainment roster. The decision drew criticism, with some accusing organizers of turning the event into 'the Super Bowl.'
Before the match, Post Malone performed an energetic set, while IShowSpeed's appearance divided fans, some questioning whether he was singing live. FIFA defended the move, stating: 'Echoing the spirit of the opening ceremonies, which welcomed the world to the greatest stage in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the closing ceremony will bring the FIFA World Cup 2026 full circle through music, culture and football.'
