The first-ever World Cup final halftime show was meant to be a huge celebration like the Super Bowl. Instead, it became one of the most debated parts of Sunday’s game. Wayne Rooney’s blunt review on TV is only part of the reason why.
What Actually Happened On Air
During the BBC’s live coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, the former England captain did not hold back. He appeared as a pundit alongside Gabby Logan, Micah Richards, and Joe Hart. Rooney was asked what his highlight of the halftime show was. He called the first-ever World Cup halftime show “crap” and “garbage”. Then added that the best part was “when it ended.” Richards immediately laughed and called him “so miserable,” while Logan joked that at least the BBC gives “honest reviews.” The clip went viral within hours.
But Rooney’s issue did not appear to be with BTS World Cup performance specifically. According to reports, he said he normally likes many of the artists involved. Still, he clearly hated the overall concept and how it landed during a World Cup final.
The show itself was huge. Curated by Chris Martin, it featured BTS, Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and Burna Boy, plus appearances from Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and even Muppets and Sesame Street characters.
BTS Specific Backlash for Performance
Separately from the Rooney clip, BTS’s own segment became its own flashpoint on X. Much of that criticism zeroed in on the group’s live vocals rather than the choreography or staging. Jimin’s segment drew particular attention. Viewers noticed a brief moment of silence at the very start of his line before his voice came in. Fans focused on a later point in his vocal where his pitch was described as uneven or “cracking.”
Fans Reaction on Social Media
There’s no clear evidence of a major live or pre-recorded production mistake. The backlash was more about the show’s content, tone, and timing. The performance lasted 11 minutes, but halftime reportedly stretched to 27, which did not go over well with football traditionalists.
Online, fan reaction to Rooney has been split. Some viewers agreed with his old-school take. And ARMY pushed back fast, arguing that the group’s presence reflected real K-pop global impact.
BTS being ridiculed on live tv AGAIN.
— ꪑꪶρ (@maanonliplumper) July 19, 2026
‘I like a lot of them artists but I thought it was crap…’
I know koreans are mad for having them as representation when all bts do is humiliate them. 😭 pic.twitter.com/2weorflgcs
I agree with Wayne. Don’t know what they’re doing there. They do not represent Korea, they’re just a lil boy band who has a fan base in lil young girls n frustrated middle aged woman, mostly.
Coachella 2024 for hybe all over again lmao
he never specified any artists he said that he likes the artists? i like bts but i do agree with him, the show overall was very rushed and a lot was going on but almost every artist did good regardless
He didn’t even mention bts Why yall lying ?Every local is praising bts and searching for them on google cuz they were gagged
Hybe artists be grabbing that Nation’s Embarassment every time they perform abroad