Wayne Rooney slams World Cup halftime show as ‘Crap’ despite star-studded lineup

Football legend Wayne Rooney did not hold back his criticism of the World Cup final halftime show, bluntly describing it as “crap” despite a lineup featuring global superstars. The 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded with an eventful day at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Spain emerging as the winner, but Rooney’s focus was on the entertainment spectacle that preceded the second half.

Speaking to Gabby Logan on BBC, the former England striker expressed his displeasure with the show, which featured performances by Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS, Shakira, and other big names. “I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was crap,” Rooney said, drawing mixed reactions from fans and viewers.

The halftime show, which lasted 27 minutes and 22 seconds, was the longest in World Cup history. It began with Madonna performing alongside Brazilian legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazario, followed by K-pop sensation BTS performing their hit “Dynamite.” Justin Bieber performed his 2025 song “Everything Hallelujah,” while Shakira performed her World Cup song “Dai Dai.” The show also featured a cameo from Jason Sudeikis as his Ted Lasso character.

Despite the star-studded lineup, Rooney’s criticism resonated with some fans who felt the show was overlong and lacked the energy expected of a World Cup final. Others, however, defended the performances, praising the diversity of the acts and the spectacle of the event.

The World Cup final itself was a tense affair, with Spain securing a 1-0 victory over Argentina in extra time, thanks to a goal by Ferran Torres. The match was followed by celebrations across Spain and the world, with fans hailing the team’s achievement.

Rooney’s comments have sparked debate about the role of entertainment in major sporting events, with some arguing that the halftime show should be a celebration of the tournament’s global appeal, while others believe it should not overshadow the football itself. Regardless, the 2026 World Cup will be remembered for both Spain’s triumph and the controversy surrounding its halftime entertainment. As the football world looks ahead to the next tournament, the debate over the balance between sport and spectacle is likely to continue.