World Cup halftime show reaction: Wayne Rooney slams 'flat' show but Shakira's BGT guests shine

World Cup halftime show reaction: Wayne Rooney slams 'flat' show but Shakira's BGT guests shine Wayne Rooney has hit out at the FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime performances from the likes of K-pop stars BTS as well as Shakira, Justin Bieber and Burna Boy The FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime performance delighted thousands – but not Wayne Rooney. The former footballer-turned-pundit revealed that he believed the performances were "flat". "Mine was when it finished," he said of his favourite part. Rooney added: "I like a lot of those artists but I thought it was crap. I did, honestly, it just didn't get me going, I wanted the football to come back on." He later explained that he believed Justin Bieber's performance was "flat". "I liked Burna Boy, I like Bieber, I like Shakira, but that was too flat," he fumed. But fans at home instantly took to social media to disagree with Rooney's comments. Instead, it was widely said that the performance was "better" than the first half of the match. So much so that even Oasis rocker Liam Gallagher waded in, praising Justin Bieber, who performed a rendition of his track Everything Hallelujah. But Liam's comments did come with a caveat. While he said Justin "rules", he later shared his brutally honest thoughts. "This is like a bad trip," he said, adding: "It's a good job I've got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge." Madonna, BTS, Shakira featuring Burna Boy and Bieber performed during the 11-minute performance, a historic first for the World Cup. And the names certainly didn't stop there; the entire production was curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, and it even featured stars of Sesame Street. Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads. Key Events Football reporter Jacob Steinberg expressed his view of the half-time show in a post on X. "This doesn't feel like the World Cup final," he said. "It's all very weird. "Just feels like some football is occasionally taking place around some random nonsense and shouting." Viewer's responses to the half-time show were mixed. One wrote on social media platform X: "This is supposed to be the biggest match in world football not a concert." Another said: "America didn't win the World Cup. But we successfully created a half time show including Madonna and the Muppets and Cookie Monster. It's a win." American actor Tom Cruise introduced the match after the show. He said: "From every corner of the globe, we have witnessed greatness, and we have shared in moments of joy. "Football is a language spoken without words, a force that unites people." The half-time performance ran for 27 minutes and 22 seconds - the longest ever for a World Cup. The International Football Association Board rules state players are only entitled to a maximum 15-minute stoppage. The World Cup show was staged in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative working to raise 100 million US dollars (£75 million) to expand access to education and football for children around the world. Celebrities in the crowd included The Odyssey actor Matt Damon, comedian Will Ferrell, Dune actor Timothée Chalamet and his girlfriend, social media star Kylie Jenner, as well as former England footballer Sir David Beckham and his wife, fashion designer Victoria Beckham. It appears as though Material Girl Madge is happy with her halftime offering. She has shaed her performance on Instagram and tagged Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho after their part in the occasion. She captioned her upload: "Everybody get up & dance" And hundreds of thousands have already liked her post, including actor Seth Rogen. It's been a tight contest, with not many chances. But as Lamine Yamal lined up a 98th minute free kick, the celebrities were watching on to see if the wonderboy from Barcelona was ready to write his name in history... Sadly for the teen, at least for the time being, Martinez was there to match his efforts. So many big names and so many big opinions. Do you agree with Wayne Rooney? Or did you think it was an epic first halftime show? Let us know in the comments section which act in the frantic set you liked best. As Shakira performed in the halftime show, viewers at home praised the superstar as she welcomed Ugandan triplets Ghetto Kids to her set. One user wrote: "Our own Triplets Ghetto Kids have given their performance at the World Cup halftime show. Uganda is proud." Another added: "Shakira shaking it up with Ugandas Ghetto kids does it for me. We may not played the soccer, but we danced on the same field of #Fifaworldcup2026" The group have gone from the streets of Uganda to sharing a stage with Shakira. The Ghetto Kids are a group of Ugandan children led by Kavuma Dauda, with several generations of the kids being in the group. They have all been children from underprivileged backgrounds that live, learn and dance together. They first became famous in 2014, when they uploaded a video of their dance moves to the song “Sitya Loss”. In 2016, they appeared on Britain’s Got Talent.After Shakira watched a video of them dancing to “Dai Dai”, the song of the 2026 World Cup, she invited them to be in the half time show of the Final. Liam Gallagher's Wonderwall won't be making an appearance in the final after England's semi-final defeat. But it appears the Oasis frontman was less than impressed with the other tunes offered up in New Jersey at half time. He let his feelings be known on X, commenting: "This is like a bad trip." He later added: "It's a good job I've got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge." He did seem to enjoy Bieber, though, saying "Justin rules". Wayne Rooney really hasn't held back. The Everton and Manchester United legend spoke to Micah Richards, Joe Hart and Gaby Logan about the performance. He said the performance was "crap". "Mine was when it finished," he said of his favourite part. Rooney added: "I like a lot of those artists but I thought it was crap. I did, honestly, it just didn't get me going, I wanted the football to come back on." He later explained that he believed Justin Bieber's performance was "flat". "I liked Burna Boy, I like Bieber, I like Shakira but that was too flat," he fumed. It's the production that many fans dream of – the biggest names in the world performing under the same roof. And it's fair to say that it didn't disappoint, with many saying the halftime show was better than the first half of the match. "Halftime show better than the actual match," said one. A second added: "The halftime show looking better than the first half of the match." A third went on to type: "At least I’m enjoying the halftime show. Better than the match." And even Oasis rocker, Liam Gallagher, got involved. The hitmaker said: "Justin rules," as Justin Bieber took to the pitch. There's fireworks all over as the collection of musical talent comes to an end with a multicoloured display. 'We've got each other'... That's the words of the Muppets as they share a sweet message of Love. "We believe in love." Dudamel is back ochestrating as Chris Martin jumps up and down to share the important words with all performers coming together. Colombian legend Shakira is here – performing Dai Dai with Burna Boy, the official song of the World Cup 2026. The official anthem, as with previous tracks from the tournament, has been celebrated over the last few weeks, bringing nations from across the world together for one occasion. "You knew from the day you were born that here in this place you belong," is one standout lyric from the song. The crowd erupted for BTS, but here we go... next! Jason Sudeikis is in character as Ted Lasso and it's Bieber time! The vibe has certainly dropped as he takes an acoustic approach, taking to the centre circle with just his guitar. He performed a chilled version of his hit tune, Everything Hallelujah, which has had a nice World Cup twist added to it as he sings: "It's the World Cup, Hallelujah." Fans are waiting for this! "TIME FOR BTS HALFTIME SHOW !!!," one X user has said. The group perform Dynamite as they again show off their energetic choreography in their black and red outfits. And the Muppets it seems! Madonna is flanked by Brazilian football legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo. before the Muppets take over orchestrated by Dudamel. The Sesame Street characters covered Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes. They were joined by a full orchestra led by Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and PS22 Chorus made up of primary school children. The pitch is transformed and the countdown is on! Here comes Madonna! She is driven around by Brazil's football legends, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho as the trio are seen on the big screen before entering the pitch. The pundits are still talking, but we can hear the crowd building in anticipation for a World Cup first! It's been a cagy opening half so far. Spain seem to be turning the screw and laying the foundations as 43 minutes hit the clock. But will the entertainment crank up during the interval? Let us know who you are most looking forward to watching in the comments section. Stars took their seats in the stands. But before that, they made their way through the flurry of cameras. Among the famous faces posing for pics was Jon Hamm, Mick Jagger and Matt Damon. It appears G-Nev might have forgot his microphone was on during Jennifer's performance. The former footballer-turned-commentator is part of the ITV coverage. And viewers listened on as he was clearly impressed by her singing. He could be heard saying: “Wow, she’s got a great voice.” Las Ketchup that is... what a blast from the past to entertain the crowd for a few minutes while the team get their water and instructions. Robbie Williams seems to be enjoying it! Guy Mowbray does a sterling job commentating on football, but he appears to have very little knowledge when it comes to that American music scene. As the camera keeps focusing on the star-studded crowd, Guy questioned if the camera person had just picked up on "aka rocky or asap rocky or something". It was actually Pharrell on the screen, with users on X quick to point out his error. One asked: "Is the commentator ok - it was Pharrell he is calling ASAP Rocky ? #fifaworldcup" The president of the United States was treated to a close up of the coveted trophy - brought to him courtesy of Brazilian legend Ronaldo. The game might be under way, but the action off the pitch still goes on for the POTUS. It was always going to be the case, especially as VB missed her pal Mel C's wedding for it! But the Beckham clan - of course minus Brooklyn - were in the stands to watch the action. Our guess is that Becks will be Spanish for the night... Lamine Yamal is the face of the Spanish team and he's already showing star quality in the final third. Can he be the shining light for the Spaniards in New Jersey? Or will it be Lionel Messi's night once again?