Wayne Rooney slams FIFA over 30‑minute halftime show at 2026 World Cup final
Wayne Rooney condemned FIFA after the halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in New Jersey ran nearly 30 minutes, double the 15‑minute limit set by IFAB. The show featured music stars Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, actor Jason Sudeikis from Ted Lasso, and Muppets characters Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy. Rooney told Utd Report, 'My favourite bit of the half‑time show was when it finished… I like all of those artists, but I thought it was crap.' He also noted the match started six minutes late due to pre‑game performances by Robbie Williams, Jennifer Hudson and speeches from Tom Cruise and announcers Michael and Bruce Buffer. The extended break disrupts player rhythm, delays broadcast schedules and frustrates fans who tune in for the game, not a concert. It highlights the growing tension between sport’s competitive integrity and the commercial lure of mega‑star entertainment at global tournaments. For Nigerian fans watching the World Cup, it raises the question of whether future tournaments will prioritize spectacle over the sport itself. Will you tolerate longer halftime shows for bigger stars, or push for stricter time limits to keep the game flowing?