Former England captain Wayne Rooney has openly criticised FIFA’s decision to introduce a Super Bowl style halftime show during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, saying the performance failed to match the excitement of football’s biggest occasion.
The Manchester United legend delivered his verdict while working as a television pundit after Spain edged Argentina 1-0 in an unforgettable final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. While millions of fans around the world were captivated by the historic clash between two football giants, Rooney admitted he was left disappointed by the entertainment that interrupted the match.
For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA introduced a full scale halftime concert during the final, extending the traditional interval with an elaborate musical production featuring some of the world’s biggest stars. The performance included appearances from Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, BTS, as well as popular characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets.
The show was produced under the creative direction of Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and formed part of FIFA’s partnership with the Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at raising 100 million dollars to improve access to education worldwide.
Despite the impressive lineup, Rooney was far from impressed.
Appearing on BBC’s World Cup coverage alongside former England goalkeeper Joe Hart and ex Manchester City defender Micah Richards, Rooney was asked to identify his favourite moment from the halftime spectacle. His answer immediately drew laughter in the studio.
The former England striker admitted that his favourite part of the show was when it ended because he wanted the football to resume.
Rooney explained that although he enjoys the music of several performers involved, including Burna Boy, Justin Bieber and Shakira, the overall production lacked energy and failed to create the excitement expected from such a historic event.
His comments quickly sparked debate across social media, where fans were divided over whether FIFA should continue embracing American style entertainment during football’s most prestigious tournament.
Micah Richards disagreed with Rooney’s assessment and jokingly labelled his former England teammate “miserable” for refusing to appreciate the musical performance.
Former Republic of Ireland captain Roy Keane also shared his opinion while working on ITV’s coverage. Keane described the show as slightly underwhelming but suggested supporters inside the stadium likely enjoyed the live experience far more than television viewers.
The halftime concert became one of the biggest talking points surrounding the final, almost rivaling discussion about the match itself.
Traditional football supporters questioned whether extending the halftime interval disrupted the rhythm of the game, while others welcomed FIFA’s attempt to modernise the tournament and attract a broader global audience.
The debate reflects the growing influence of American sporting culture on international football, especially with the United States serving as one of the hosts of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ultimately, however, the football remained the main attraction.
Spain lifted their second FIFA World Cup trophy after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 following extra time. Barcelona forward Ferran Torres emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute after Argentina had been reduced to ten players following Enzo Fernandez’s dismissal.
The victory marked another milestone for Spain under head coach Luis de la Fuente, whose side displayed tactical discipline and defensive resilience to overcome Lionel Scaloni’s experienced squad.
While Spain celebrated becoming world champions once again, FIFA’s halftime show has opened a wider conversation about the future presentation of football’s biggest event.
Supporters of the concept argue that global entertainment icons can help expand the tournament’s appeal beyond traditional football audiences while supporting important charitable causes such as education funding.
Critics, including Rooney, believe football should remain the undisputed centrepiece of the World Cup final, warning that excessive entertainment risks overshadowing the sport itself.
Whether FIFA decides to retain or modify the halftime show in future World Cup finals, one thing is certain. Rooney’s brutally honest assessment has ensured the inaugural spectacle will be remembered not only for its star studded lineup but also for the heated debate it has generated across the football world.
As football continues to evolve on and off the pitch, the balance between preserving tradition and embracing innovation is likely to remain one of the sport’s most discussed issues.
