A Star‑Studded Opening
Wayne Rooney, the former England and Manchester United forward, did not mince words when he described the halftime spectacle of the 2022 FIFA World Cup as ‘crap’. The ceremony, broadcast globally on December 18, opened with Madonna delivering a high‑energy rendition of ‘Music’, before handing the stage to K‑pop phenoms BTS for ‘Dynamite’. The performance was followed by a joint appearance from soccer icons Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, who joined Madonna onstage.
Later in the show, Justin Bieber took the mic for an acoustic version of ‘Everything Hallelujah’, introduced by Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt reprising their Ted Lasso roles. The segment also featured animated cameos from the Muppets, adding a whimsical touch.
Shakira and Burna Boy closed the musical portion with their official tournament anthem ‘Dai Dai’, while Gustavo Dudamel, the Venezuelan conductor, led a brief orchestral interlude that underscored the event’s blend of sport and culture.
The BBC and The Associated Press both highlighted the eclectic mix of performances, noting how the show attempted to appeal to a younger, international audience while honoring traditional soccer pageantry. Rooney’s criticism reflects a broader debate about the balance between athletic competition and entertainment.