Wayne Rooney Calls Out ‘Crap' World Cup Halftime Show Featuring Justin Bieber

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final ended in thrilling fashion, with Spain slipping by Argentina, 1-0, in extra time on Sunday, July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. But if you ask English soccer legend Wayne Rooney, the halftime show failed to provide its own share of entertainment.

"I thought the best part was when it finished," he said live on the BBC when the show wrapped up. "I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was crap … I did, honestly."

"I'll tell you what else you get on the BBC - honest reviews," host Gabby Logan replied.

The first-ever World Cup halftime show wasn't short on star power, featuring Justin Bieber, Madonna, BTS and Shakira. The Muppets and Ted Lasso himself even made appearances, as Jason Sudeikis showed up looking ready to lead A.F.C. Richmond.

The show benefitted the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which works to expand children's access to education and sports programs in underserved communities.

"We promised a truly spectacular and unifying FIFA World Cup Halftime Show, and together with Global Citizen, we delivered," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement. "My sincere thanks to the hundreds of talented performers, cast and crew who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. There is nothing more important than education, and I am proud that we were able to share this message through an epic show while bringing joy and entertainment to people everywhere."

Rooney, 40, was unmoved, and his criticism didn't stop with the halftime show. The three-time World Cup participant also ripped Argentina after the match for the team's role in the fracas that occurred after the final whistle.

"We've seen it with Argentina before," he said. "It's not the reaction you want. We saw it after knocking England out in the last round as well. [Argentina midfielder] Enzo Fernandez has got what he deserves. It's disappointing. That's just sad."

Rooney added, "If you lose a game, get out of there. That's just not good enough. It's a reaction to them being outplayed, outfought, outthought. They resort to that at the end. It's sad."

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart, who was on the broadcast with Rooney, agreed.

"It's disgusting," he said. "There was one man on the pitch who did have class and it was Lionel Messi. He shook hands with every one of the Spanish players. The game is done. They can have absolutely no complaints about what happened today. Disgusting behaviour."

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This story was originally published July 20, 2026 at 2:04 PM.