{"id":2052128,"date":"2026-07-20T07:27:31","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T04:27:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2052128"},"modified":"2026-07-20T07:27:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T04:27:31","slug":"fans-react-to-chris-martins-world-cup-halftime-show-and-wayne-rooneys-viral-assessment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2052128","title":{"rendered":"Fans react to Chris Martin\u2019s World Cup halftime show \u2013 and Wayne Rooney\u2019s viral assessment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/World-Cup-2026.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"template-id-2749694\" class=\"post-2749694 tdb_templates type-tdb_templates status-publish post\">\n<div id=\"tdi_65\" class=\"tdc-zone\">\n<div class=\"tdc_zone tdi_66  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div id=\"tdi_67\" class=\"tdc-row stretch_row_1400 td-stretch-content\">\n<div class=\"vc_row tdi_68  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_70  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_breadcrumbs tdi_71 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 tdb-breadcrumbs \" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_71\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span>News<\/span><i class=\"tdb-bread-sep td-icon-right\"><\/i><span>Music News<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_title tdi_72 tdb-single-title td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_72\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Fans react to Chris Martin\u2019s World Cup halftime show \u2013 and Wayne Rooney\u2019s viral assessment<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_subtitle tdi_73 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_73\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p>Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and many more performed at the debut World Cup halftime show<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_author tdi_75 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 tdb-post-meta\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_75\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-author-name-wrap\"><span class=\"tdb-author-by\">By<\/span> Alex Rigotti<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_date tdi_76 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 tdb-post-meta\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_76\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><time class=\"entry-date updated td-module-date\" datetime=\"2026-07-20T08:27:31+01:00\">20th July 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- .\/block --><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"tdi_77\" class=\"tdc-row stretch_row_1400 td-stretch-content\">\n<div class=\"vc_row tdi_78  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_80  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span8\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_featured_image tdi_81 tdb-content-horiz-left td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_81\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<figure>\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"696\" height=\"442\" class=\"entry-thumb\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/World-Cup-2026-696x442.jpg\" alt title=\"Spain v Argentina: Final - FIFA World Cup 2026\"><figcaption class=\"tdb-caption-text\">Chris Martin, Burna Boy, Shakira and the PS22 Choir at the World Cup 2026 (Photo by Tullio Puglia &#8211; FIFA\/FIFA via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"vc_row_inner tdi_83 article-content-row vc_row vc_inner wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column_inner tdi_85  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-inner-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_content tdi_86 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 td-post-content tagdiv-type\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_86\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p>Fans have reacted to the Chris Martin-curated World Cup halftime show \u2013 and Wayne Rooney\u2019s viral assesment.<\/p>\n<p>The World Cup final was staged at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey last night (19 July). President Donald Trump, Beyonc\u00e9, Jay-Z, Timothee Chalamet, Kylie Jenner and Matt Damon were just some of the famous faces spotted in the star-studded audience. Spain triumphed against Argentina, with Ferran Torres scoring the winning goal 106 minutes into the game to beat their opponents 1-0.<\/p>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad0 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span>  <\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-article-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>For the first time ever, the World Cup also featured a halftime show curated by Coldplay\u2018s Chris Martin. Madonna performed her song \u2018Music\u2019 with football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho making a cameo beside her. After a performance of The White Stripes\u2018 \u2018Seven Nation Army\u2019 by The Muppets, BTS took over to perform their hit \u2018Dynamite\u2019.<\/p>\n<p><em>Ted Lasso<\/em> actor Jason Sudeikis appeared in-character to introduce Justin Bieber, who performed \u2018Everything Hallelujah\u2019 solo, followed by Shakira and Burna Boy duetting the 2026 World Cup anthem, \u2018Dai Dai\u2019. Chris Martin rounded off the ceremony with a performance of new Coldplay song called \u2018We Dance\u2019, aided by children\u2019s choir PS22.<\/p>\n<p>The halftime show elicited some strong opinions from former England footballer and BBC commentator Wayne Rooney. When asked by journalist Gabby Logan for his halftime show highlights, Rooney responded: \u201cI\u2019ll be honest, mine was when it finished.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI like a lot of them artists but I thought it was crap,\u201d he added.\u00a0\u201cIt just didn\u2019t get me going and I wanted the football to come back on. I like Burna Boy, I like Bieber, I like Shakira, but that was too flat.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad1 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"taboola-mid-article-title\">Recommended<\/h5>\n<div id=\"taboola-mid-article\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Fans have reacted to Rooney\u2019s assessment of the halftime show, with historian and author Tom Holland writing: \u201cWayne speaking for the nation\u201d. Another user likened Rooney to an employee \u201con his last day at work before his holiday,\u201d adding: \u201cFair play Wayne, fair play\u201d.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">&#8220;What did you think of the World Cup final half-time show?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Wayne Rooney: pic.twitter.com\/1j6OQap9Yi<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Wayne speaking for the nation<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Tom Holland (@holland_tom) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Wayne Rooney is so on his last day at work before his holiday, fair play Wayne, fair play.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Ben Carr (@DoctorBenjy) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Was worth watching it on ITV just to hear Wayne Rooney say it was crap which it was \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 wendy (@wendywt777) July 20, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad2 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span>  <\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-article-2\" class=\"lazy-ad\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Rooney was not alone. Norwegian commentater Aleksander Schau remarked he would \u201crather watch my dad wipe his ass than this\u201d, while Liam Gallagher wrote: \u201cIt\u2019s a good job I\u2019ve got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>He added: \u201cThis is like a bad trip\u201d.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">One of the Norwegian commentators on the halftime show: \u201cI\u2019d rather watch my dad wipe his ass than this.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Joakim \ud83c\udf39\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf4\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddfa (@joakial_) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">It\u2019s a good job I\u2019ve got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">This is like a bad trip<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Others critiqued Justin Bieber for his intimate rendition of \u2018Everything Hallelujah\u2019, with one user complaining: \u201cWhy would justin bieber do that sleepy ass song for the world cup?\u201d. \u201cJustin Bieber picking the 86th most famous song in his catalogue with a negative tempo for the halftime show was\u2026 a choice\u201d, another person added. Others were more brutal, calling Bieber\u2019s singing \u201ceasily the worst performance in an overall mediocre halftime show\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Despite claims that Bieber was \u201cabsolutely destroying the mood\u201d on the night, Gallagher swooped in to defend the popstar: \u201cBEHAVE\u201d, he wrote.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">why would justin bieber do that sleepy ass song for the world cup \ud83d\ude2d\ud83d\ude2d\ud83d\ude2d\ud83d\ude2d\ud83d\ude2d<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 BIG BAD CHUCK \u2730 (@yawningemoji) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Justin Bieber picking the 86th most famous song in his catalogue with a negative tempo for the halftime show was\u2026 a choice<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 JaguarGator9 (@JaguarGator9NFL) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Easily the worst performance in an overall mediocre halftime show<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 ayooo (@DigitalHazardo) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">BEHAVE<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Others commented on Ronaldo and Ronaldinho\u2019s confused appearance during their Madonna cameos. \u201cThey got Ronaldinho and Ronaldo in that vehicle with no idea what\u2019s being said or done. This is elder abuse \u2014 Madonna included,\u201d one user quipped. \u201cRonaldo look like he\u2019s never even seen a soccer ball\u201d, another added.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">They got Ronaldinho and Ronaldo in that vehicle with no idea what\u2019s being said or done. This is elder abuse \u2014 Madonna included.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Zito (@_Zeets) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">ronaldo look like he\u2019s never even seen a soccer ball<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 bomani (@bomani_jones) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Some were caught up in the disjointed lineup of the night, with one user dubbing it \u201cthe first AI world cup halftime show\u201d. Another said: \u201cI\u2019ve seen Ronaldinho &amp; Ronaldo driving Madonna in a car, Ted Lasso sub on Justin Bieber and now watching miss Piggy and Kermit the wrong singing on a piano. My head hurts\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, one person simply said: \u201cAre we all miserable or do Americans think this shit is stupid too?\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">the first AI world cup halftime show<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Joshua Minsoo Kim (@misterminsoo) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">I\u2019ve seen Ronaldinho &amp; Ronaldo driving Madonna in a car, Ted Lasso sub on Justin Bieber and now watching miss Piggy and Kermit the wrong singing on a piano. <\/p>\n<p>My head hurts<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Conn (@ConnCFC) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Are we all miserable or do Americans think this shit is stupid too? https:\/\/t.co\/vg6Ra2ZX5h<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 \ud835\ude47\ud835\ude5e\ud835\ude56\ud835\ude62 (@OfficialVizeh) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Before the halftime show, the World Cup hosted a range of pre-game performances including Post Malone. Actor Tom Cruise also gave a rousing speech before the game, while Jennifer Hudson sung the American national anthem.<\/p>\n<p>Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini closed out the game with a performance of \u2018Desire\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Previously, huge names like Noel Gallagher and The Cure\u2018s Robert Smith have reacted to news of the halftime show.<\/p>\n<p>Noel said he wasn\u2019t a fan of the upcoming show, explaining: \u201cI don\u2019t like changes in football. I\u2019m looking forward to these new rules about corners and time-wasting, that might be a good thing for the game, but I don\u2019t like the razzmatazz of football; it\u2019s been functioning perfectly for hundreds of years.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He then cheekily added: \u201cThey\u2019re not really football people who are performing anyway, are they?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Smith shared Noel\u2019s views, simply saying: \u201cAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH\u2026 #Breadandcircuses #MUGWANK #pleasejustfuckoff.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He later clarified his remarks, writing: \u201cFor those of us not quite getting it: the point is not really about who is curating or performing, it is about the #mugwank ideas of a football World Cup final half time show,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n<p>He added that \u201cInfantosser has said he and US President Trumpton will small hand over [the] trophy on Sunday. Sadly, there are not enough a\u2019s left for the \u2018argh\u2019 that should follow\u2026 #breadandcircuses #pleasejustfuckoff #fuckfifa #justlookup.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Elsewhere, Robbie Williams has shared the new version of Official Fifa Anthem \u2018Desire\u2019 featuring Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini ahead of the World Cup final.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_tags tdi_87 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_87\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<ul class=\"tdb-tags\">\n<li><span>Related Topics<\/span><\/li>\n<li>BTS<\/li>\n<li>Burna Boy<\/li>\n<li>Coldplay<\/li>\n<li>Justin Bieber<\/li>\n<li>Madonna<\/li>\n<li>Shakira<\/li>\n<li>World Cup<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper td_block_wrap vc_raw_html tdi_89 \">\n<div class=\"td-fix-index\">\n<h3>You May Also Like<\/h3>\n<div 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stretch_row_1400 td-stretch-content\">\n<div class=\"vc_row tdi_96  wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column tdi_98  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"vc_row_inner tdi_100  vc_row vc_inner wpb_row td-pb-row\">\n<div class=\"vc_column_inner tdi_102  wpb_column vc_column_container tdc-inner-column td-pb-span12\">\n<div class=\"vc_column-inner\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper\">\n<div class=\"wpb_wrapper td_block_wrap vc_raw_html tdi_104 \">\n<div class=\"td-fix-index\">\n<h3>More Stories<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap td_flex_block_1 tdi_105 td-pb-border-top td_module_flex_1--card td_module_flex_1--card--highlight td_block_template_2 tdc-no-posts td_flex_block\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_105\">\n<div class=\"td-block-title-wrap\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"tdi_105\" class=\"td_block_inner td-mc1-wrap\">\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/robbie-williams@2000x1270-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/robbie-williams@2000x1270-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Robbie Williams shares new version of Official Fifa Anthem \u2018Desire\u2019 featuring Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini ahead of World Cup final<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/post-malone@2000x1270-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/post-malone@2000x1270-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Hudson to perform at World Cup closing ceremony<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/liam-gallagher@2000x1270-1-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/liam-gallagher@2000x1270-1-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Liam Gallagher weighs in on England\u2019s World Cup result: \u201cLet the kids run wild\u201d<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/OasisHeatonPark-report-3-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/OasisHeatonPark-report-3-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Liam Gallagher reacts as Oasis\u2019 \u2018Wonderwall\u2019 streams shoot up 50 per cent ahead of England playing Ghana in World Cup<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/lynks@2000x1270-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/lynks@2000x1270-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Lynks shares \u201caccidental\u201d England World Cup parody banger \u2018Kick The Ball!\u2019<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td_module_flex td_module_flex_1 td_module_wrap td-animation-stack\">\n<div class=\"td-module-container td-category-pos-above\">\n<div class=\"td-image-container\">\n<div class=\"td-module-thumb\"><span class=\"entry-thumb td-thumb-css\" data-type=\"css_image\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Noel-Gallagher-Brazil-400x254.jpg\" data-img-retina-url=\"https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Noel-Gallagher-Brazil-800x508.jpg\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"td-module-meta-info\">\n                    Music News<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"entry-title td-module-title\">Noel Gallagher on why he won\u2019t be watching the Chris Martin-curated World Cup halftime show<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>                    <span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span><\/span><span class=\"td-page-meta\"><\/span>                <\/article>\n<\/p>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_content tdi_86 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_2 td-post-content tagdiv-type\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_86\">\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<p>Fans have reacted to the Chris Martin-curated World Cup halftime show \u2013 and Wayne Rooney\u2019s viral assesment.<\/p>\n<p>The World Cup final was staged at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey last night (19 July). President Donald Trump, Beyonc\u00e9, Jay-Z, Timothee Chalamet, Kylie Jenner and Matt Damon were just some of the famous faces spotted in the star-studded audience. Spain triumphed against Argentina, with Ferran Torres scoring the winning goal 106 minutes into the game to beat their opponents 1-0.<\/p>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad0 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span>  <\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-article-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>For the first time ever, the World Cup also featured a halftime show curated by Coldplay\u2018s Chris Martin. Madonna performed her song \u2018Music\u2019 with football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho making a cameo beside her. After a performance of The White Stripes\u2018 \u2018Seven Nation Army\u2019 by The Muppets, BTS took over to perform their hit \u2018Dynamite\u2019.<\/p>\n<p><em>Ted Lasso<\/em> actor Jason Sudeikis appeared in-character to introduce Justin Bieber, who performed \u2018Everything Hallelujah\u2019 solo, followed by Shakira and Burna Boy duetting the 2026 World Cup anthem, \u2018Dai Dai\u2019. Chris Martin rounded off the ceremony with a performance of new Coldplay song called \u2018We Dance\u2019, aided by children\u2019s choir PS22.<\/p>\n<p>The halftime show elicited some strong opinions from former England footballer and BBC commentator Wayne Rooney. When asked by journalist Gabby Logan for his halftime show highlights, Rooney responded: \u201cI\u2019ll be honest, mine was when it finished.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI like a lot of them artists but I thought it was crap,\u201d he added.\u00a0\u201cIt just didn\u2019t get me going and I wanted the football to come back on. I like Burna Boy, I like Bieber, I like Shakira, but that was too flat.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad1 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\"><\/span><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"taboola-mid-article-title\">Recommended<\/h5>\n<div id=\"taboola-mid-article\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Fans have reacted to Rooney\u2019s assessment of the halftime show, with historian and author Tom Holland writing: \u201cWayne speaking for the nation\u201d. Another user likened Rooney to an employee \u201con his last day at work before his holiday,\u201d adding: \u201cFair play Wayne, fair play\u201d.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">&#8220;What did you think of the World Cup final half-time show?&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Wayne Rooney: pic.twitter.com\/1j6OQap9Yi<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Wayne speaking for the nation<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Tom Holland (@holland_tom) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Wayne Rooney is so on his last day at work before his holiday, fair play Wayne, fair play.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Ben Carr (@DoctorBenjy) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Was worth watching it on ITV just to hear Wayne Rooney say it was crap which it was \ud83e\udd23<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 wendy (@wendywt777) July 20, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div class=\"td-a-ad id_inline_ad2 id_ad_content-horiz-center\"><span class=\"td-adspot-title\">Advertisement<\/span>  <\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-article-2\" class=\"lazy-ad\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Rooney was not alone. Norwegian commentater Aleksander Schau remarked he would \u201crather watch my dad wipe his ass than this\u201d, while Liam Gallagher wrote: \u201cIt\u2019s a good job I\u2019ve got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>He added: \u201cThis is like a bad trip\u201d.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">One of the Norwegian commentators on the halftime show: \u201cI\u2019d rather watch my dad wipe his ass than this.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Joakim \ud83c\udf39\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf4\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddfa (@joakial_) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">It\u2019s a good job I\u2019ve got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">This is like a bad trip<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Others critiqued Justin Bieber for his intimate rendition of \u2018Everything Hallelujah\u2019, with one user complaining: \u201cWhy would justin bieber do that sleepy ass song for the world cup?\u201d. \u201cJustin Bieber picking the 86th most famous song in his catalogue with a negative tempo for the halftime show was\u2026 a choice\u201d, another person added. Others were more brutal, calling Bieber\u2019s singing \u201ceasily the worst performance in an overall mediocre halftime show\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Despite claims that Bieber was \u201cabsolutely destroying the mood\u201d on the night, Gallagher swooped in to defend the popstar: \u201cBEHAVE\u201d, he wrote.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">why would justin bieber do that sleepy ass song for the world cup \ud83d\ude2d\ud83d\ude2d\ud83d\ude2d\ud83d\ude2d\ud83d\ude2d<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 BIG BAD CHUCK \u2730 (@yawningemoji) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Justin Bieber picking the 86th most famous song in his catalogue with a negative tempo for the halftime show was\u2026 a choice<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 JaguarGator9 (@JaguarGator9NFL) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Easily the worst performance in an overall mediocre halftime show<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 ayooo (@DigitalHazardo) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">BEHAVE<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Others commented on Ronaldo and Ronaldinho\u2019s confused appearance during their Madonna cameos. \u201cThey got Ronaldinho and Ronaldo in that vehicle with no idea what\u2019s being said or done. This is elder abuse \u2014 Madonna included,\u201d one user quipped. \u201cRonaldo look like he\u2019s never even seen a soccer ball\u201d, another added.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">They got Ronaldinho and Ronaldo in that vehicle with no idea what\u2019s being said or done. This is elder abuse \u2014 Madonna included.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Zito (@_Zeets) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">ronaldo look like he\u2019s never even seen a soccer ball<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 bomani (@bomani_jones) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Some were caught up in the disjointed lineup of the night, with one user dubbing it \u201cthe first AI world cup halftime show\u201d. Another said: \u201cI\u2019ve seen Ronaldinho &amp; Ronaldo driving Madonna in a car, Ted Lasso sub on Justin Bieber and now watching miss Piggy and Kermit the wrong singing on a piano. My head hurts\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, one person simply said: \u201cAre we all miserable or do Americans think this shit is stupid too?\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">the first AI world cup halftime show<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Joshua Minsoo Kim (@misterminsoo) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">I\u2019ve seen Ronaldinho &amp; Ronaldo driving Madonna in a car, Ted Lasso sub on Justin Bieber and now watching miss Piggy and Kermit the wrong singing on a piano. <\/p>\n<p>My head hurts<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Conn (@ConnCFC) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Are we all miserable or do Americans think this shit is stupid too? https:\/\/t.co\/vg6Ra2ZX5h<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 \ud835\ude47\ud835\ude5e\ud835\ude56\ud835\ude62 (@OfficialVizeh) July 19, 2026<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Before the halftime show, the World Cup hosted a range of pre-game performances including Post Malone. Actor Tom Cruise also gave a rousing speech before the game, while Jennifer Hudson sung the American national anthem.<\/p>\n<p>Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini closed out the game with a performance of \u2018Desire\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>Previously, huge names like Noel Gallagher and The Cure\u2018s Robert Smith have reacted to news of the halftime show.<\/p>\n<p>Noel said he wasn\u2019t a fan of the upcoming show, explaining: \u201cI don\u2019t like changes in football. I\u2019m looking forward to these new rules about corners and time-wasting, that might be a good thing for the game, but I don\u2019t like the razzmatazz of football; it\u2019s been functioning perfectly for hundreds of years.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He then cheekily added: \u201cThey\u2019re not really football people who are performing anyway, are they?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Smith shared Noel\u2019s views, simply saying: \u201cAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH\u2026 #Breadandcircuses #MUGWANK #pleasejustfuckoff.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He later clarified his remarks, writing: \u201cFor those of us not quite getting it: the point is not really about who is curating or performing, it is about the #mugwank ideas of a football World Cup final half time show,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n<p>He added that \u201cInfantosser has said he and US President Trumpton will small hand over [the] trophy on Sunday. Sadly, there are not enough a\u2019s left for the \u2018argh\u2019 that should follow\u2026 #breadandcircuses #pleasejustfuckoff #fuckfifa #justlookup.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Elsewhere, Robbie Williams has shared the new version of Official Fifa Anthem \u2018Desire\u2019 featuring Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini ahead of the World Cup final.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.nme.com\/news\/music\/fans-react-to-chris-martins-world-cup-haltime-show-and-wayne-rooneys-viral-assessment-3957904&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.nme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/World-Cup-2026.jpg&#8221;] NewsMusic News Fans react to Chris Martin\u2019s World Cup halftime show \u2013 and Wayne Rooney\u2019s viral assessment Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and many more performed at the debut World Cup halftime show By Alex Rigotti 20th July 2026 Chris Martin, Burna Boy, Shakira and the PS22 Choir at the World Cup 2026 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,78],"class_list":["post-2052128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-nme-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2052128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2052128"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2052128\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2052128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2052128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2052128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}