Wayne Rooney, the former England and Manchester United forward, took to social media to voice his displeasure with the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show, describing it as "crap" in a blunt tweet that quickly went viral.
A Star‑Studded Halftime
The production opened with Madonna, who took the stage to launch her classic hit "Music". The pop icon was joined by Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, adding a flash of football nostalgia to the musical spectacle.
Conducting the halftime orchestra, Venezuelan maestro Gustavo Dudamel led an ensemble through The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army", weaving a familiar stadium anthem into the ceremony.
K‑pop phenoms BTS followed, delivering their chart‑topping single "Dynamite" after a brief nod to Norway’s Viking rowing heritage, a moment that resonated with the global youth audience.
Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, reprising their beloved "Ted Lasso" characters, introduced Justin Bieber, who then performed "Everything Hallelujah" to a crowd that blended sports fans and pop enthusiasts.
The ceremony culminated with Shakira and Burna Boy delivering their official World Cup anthem "Dai Dai", a collaboration that aimed to capture the tournament’s spirit of unity and cultural exchange.
While the show featured an impressive roster of artists and a nod to football heritage, Rooney’s critique highlighted the challenges of balancing entertainment with the expectations of a worldwide audience. The mixed reactions underscore the fine line between celebration and controversy in global sporting events.