Wayne Rooney criticizes halftime show
Wayne Rooney criticized FIFA’s first World Cup final halftime show during BBC coverage on July 19. The former England captain said he liked several featured artists but thought the overall production felt too flat.
The 11-minute concert took place at New York New Jersey Stadium during Spain’s final against Argentina. FIFA introduced the format as a tournament first, placing live entertainment during the final’s halftime interval.
Wayne Rooney gives blunt BBC verdict
Rooney delivered his reaction after the performers left the field. His direct assessment drew attention because he criticized the production while acknowledging that he liked several of the featured artists.
Gabby Logan presented the final alongside Rooney, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, and Joe Hart. The panel returned to match analysis after an extended halftime interval that ran longer than a standard 15-minute break.
Madonna opens historic halftime show
Madonna opened the musical segment with her 2000 song ‘Music’ alongside Brazilian World Cup winners Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Their appearance linked the opening sequence with two recognized figures from tournament history.
The performance marked Madonna’s first appearance in a World Cup final halftime show because FIFA had never staged the event before. Her brief set began an 11-minute program featuring several international artists.
BTS performs ‘Dynamite’ at final
BTS followed Madonna by performing “Dynamite” during the World Cup final halftime show. The group used synchronized choreography during a compact set designed to fit within the show’s 11-minute musical program.
The performance came before Justin Bieber’s acoustic appearance and after Madonna’s opening number. That sequence shifted the show from dance-pop choreography toward a slower vocal arrangement during the next segment.
Justin Bieber slows the tempo
Justin Bieber performed an acoustic version of ‘Everything Hallelujah’ after a ‘Ted Lasso’ themed introduction featuring Jason Sudeikis. The restrained arrangement followed BTS and created the program’s clearest change in pace.
Gabby Logan asked Rooney about the segment during the post-show discussion. Rooney criticized the full halftime production rather than identifying Bieber or any other individual performer as the sole reason.
Shakira performs official World Cup song
Shakira and Burna Boy performed ‘Dai Dai,’ the official 2026 World Cup song, during the halftime show. Their set followed appearances by Madonna, BTS, and Justin Bieber before the larger closing sequence.
Shakira had also performed at the tournament’s opening ceremony in Mexico City on June 11. Her two appearances connected the beginning and conclusion of the 2026 World Cup entertainment program.
Gustavo Dudamel leads orchestra
Gustavo Dudamel conducted an orchestral section involving musicians from New York and Venezuela. The Muppets’ Electric Mayhem also appeared during ‘Seven Nation Army,’ a song commonly used by stadium crowds.
The final sequence included the PS22 Chorus, Chris Martin, and ‘Sesame Street’ characters. Their participation expanded the program beyond headline singers, adding orchestral, choral, and television elements to the production.
Chris Martin supports education fund
Chris Martin helped curate the halftime show with FIFA and Global Citizen. The partnership connected the entertainment program to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which supports education and access to football for children worldwide.
FIFA presented the concert as entertainment and a fundraising platform. Royalties from the official song support the education fund, while the final’s production gave the initiative exposure during the tournament’s championship match.
Halftime runs longer than usual
The musical portion lasted about 11 minutes, and the halftime show made the final break longer than a standard soccer halftime. Under IFAB’s Laws of the Game, players are normally entitled to a halftime interval not exceeding 15 minutes.
The additional time gave crews room to install and clear a complex stage before Spain and Argentina returned. The extended interval also became a concern for Rooney and other viewers who questioned whether the show disrupted the match.
Wayne Rooney brings World Cup history
Rooney appeared at three World Cups for England in 2006, 2010, and 2014. He scored his only tournament goal against Uruguay in 2014, ending his World Cup career with one goal across 11 appearances.
Rooney remains Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer with 253 goals in 559 appearances. He established that club record before leaving in 2017, adding historical weight to his role during the BBC broadcast.
BBC draws larger final audience
BBC coverage of the final averaged 9.7 million viewers in the United Kingdom, peaking at 13.6 million. ITV averaged 2.4 million and reached a peak audience of 3.4 million.
Rooney’s halftime reaction aired during the more-watched British television broadcast. Clips and reports about his comments later spread across online news outlets after the final.
Spain wins after scoreless regulation
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring in the 106th minute. The score remained 0-0 during the halftime show and throughout regulation before Spain found the decisive goal.
Spain controlled much of the final while Argentina resisted until extra time. The victory secured Spain’s second men’s World Cup title after the national team previously won the tournament in 2010.
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FIFA introduces new final format
FIFA staged its first World Cup final halftime show on July 19, creating a tournament precedent. The organization has not confirmed whether the same format will return at the 2030 competition.
Rooney’s criticism reflected resistance to the extended interval among some viewers. The program combined global performers with fundraising exposure, while extending the final break to more than a standard 15-minute soccer halftime.
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Wayne Rooney criticized FIFA’s first World Cup final halftime show, but the event introduced a new mix of soccer and live music. Was the extended break entertaining or unnecessary? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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