The 2026 FIFA World Cup reached its climax with a game between Spain and Argentina, a game that saw Spain triumph with a 1-0 win courtesy of a Ferran Torres goal. But after the winner was announced, people are still talking about the Super Bowl-style half-time show.

Already uncommon in soccer, not many enjoyed the affair. Even former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney was not too happy. Men in Blazers recently posted a BBC video on their Twitter to show Rooney's appalled reaction.

"I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was c***." said Rooney, "That's it, obviously"

Rooney's comment on the BBC show showed his annoyance.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final broke from soccer tradition in a way fans had never seen before. Instead of the usual 15-minute halftime required under IFAB rules, Spain and Argentina's title clash paused for a staggering 27 minutes and 19 seconds

This would be the tournament's first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show.

The stacked lineup featured Burna Boy and Triplets Ghetto Kids, a Ugandan dance troupe, to perform the World Cup anthem "Dai Dai" alongside Shakira.

Conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the PS 22 Chorus were also part of the group, alongside cameos from The Muppets band, Kermit the Frog, and Miss Piggy. This extended the break from 15 minutes to approximately 30 minutes.

The halftime show opened with Madonna, who came out of the stadium tunnels on an ATV driven by Brazilian legends and World Cup winners Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.

The Muppets and the symphony then "passed" the show over to K-pop group BTS, who performed Dynamite. Then it was time for Jason Sudeikis to don his soccer coach Ted Lasso persona to introduce Justin Bieber.

Then, it was Shakira's turn to perform the 2026 World Cup anthem. Yet it didn't seem to impress the fans.

Fans bash World Cup final halftime show for cramming in artists

Wayne Rooney wasn't the only one who didn't enjoy the mid-game entertainment. In fact, the fans also voiced their disapproval of the way things went.

"Rooney is spot on. It was rubbish! Trying to squeeze as many artists as possible. It’s not football. Hope it’s a once-off," said the fan.

The fans didn't like it as they felt it featured too many artists in a rapid, disjointed sequence.

"It was awful. Not what football is about or needs," wrote another fan.

Some fans simply spoke about how the show was not even worth discussing.

"It was alright," voiced another fan

One fan took a dig at Wayne Rooney for his negativity.

"What a bitter person; the show was fantastic; he just hates the US," vented a fan.

Whatever the case may be, the fans were mostly not that happy to see what transpired.

What did you feel about the halftime show? Let us know through your comments.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote