Wayne Rooney Calls World Cup Halftime Show ‘Crap’ After 27-Minute Break

Wayne Rooney delivered a blunt review of the first FIFA World Cup final halftime show after Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Shakira took over the field during Spain’s championship match against Argentina.

Asked during the BBC’s live coverage to name his favorite part of the performance, the former England captain replied, “I’ll be honest, mine was when it finished.” 

The July 19 production was the first official halftime show held during a World Cup final.

FIFA and Global Citizen assembled the multi-artist lineup to promote an education fund that had raised more than $60 million by the end of the tournament.

Rooney Said His Favorite Part Was ‘When It Finished’

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BBC presenter Gabby Logan invited Rooney and fellow pundits Micah Richards and Joe Hart to choose their highlights after the show ended at New York New Jersey Stadium. Richards selected Shakira and Burna Boy, while Hart mentioned Brazilian soccer legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho driving Madonna onto the field. Rooney chose the ending.

“I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was crap,” he said, according to People. When Richards called him miserable, Rooney doubled down: “I did, honestly.” Logan responded, “I’ll tell you what else you get on the BBC, honest reviews.” When Rooney was asked about a “Macarena” moment involving Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek, he said it “just didn’t get me going.”

The Guardian highlighted Rooney’s candor in its review of the BBC and ITV broadcasts, contrasting his unfiltered reaction with the more conventional commentary surrounding the final.

The Musical Show Lasted 11 Minutes, but Halftime Reached 27

Reuters reported that the performances remained within the planned 11-minute running time. The complete break reached approximately 27 minutes because workers needed additional time to move the stage, instruments and technical equipment onto and off the field.

The Laws of the Game state that players are entitled to a halftime interval not exceeding 15 minutes, although Reuters noted that FIFA’s tournament regulations mention a 15-minute break without expressly stating that it cannot be longer. Spain and Argentina remained in their dressing rooms until the field had been cleared and officials were ready to resume the match.

The Show Moved Rapidly Between Its Four Headliners

Madonna opened with “Music,” entering in a dune buggy driven by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Gustavo Dudamel then conducted musicians from New York and Venezuela as the Muppets’ Electric Mayhem joined a performance of “Seven Nation Army.”

BTS followed with “Dynamite.” Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt then appeared as their Ted Lasso characters to introduce Bieber as a substitute entering the match.

Bieber slowed the pace with an acoustic performance of “Everything Hallelujah,” changing the song’s ending to “World Cup Hallelujah.” Shakira and Burna Boy followed with “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official song.

The finale included Coldplay, the PS22 Chorus, Emmanuel Kelly and additional Muppet characters performing “We Dance.” More than 350 performers participated in the complete production, according to Global Citizen.

The Performance Supported a Global Education Fund

The halftime show promoted the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to expand access to education and sports programs for children in underserved communities.

Global Citizen said the fund had raised more than $60 million and had awarded grants to 58 community organizations in 20 countries. Those programs are expected to reach approximately 400,000 children.

FIFA donated $1 from every ticket sold across the tournament, while the performers donated their time. Shakira also pledged her royalties from “Dai Dai,” and Sony Music agreed to match the first $250,000 raised through the song.