Liam Gallagher slams World Cup halftime show as a "bad trip"

Liam Gallagher, the former Oasis singer, used his X account to criticize the halftime entertainment at the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, describing it as “like a bad trip.” The 27-minute, 19-second intermission featured a Super Bowl-style medley that included Madonna, the Muppets, BTS, Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso, Justin Bieber and Shakira, and sparked frustration among viewers who said it delayed the match’s restart.

"This is like a bad trip," Gallagher wrote, adding that the show was “absolutely insane behavior, it’s cuckoo with a capital K.”

He later defended Bieber’s acoustic performance of “Everything Hallelujah,” replying “ME” when asked who thought it would be a hit, and concluding “Justin rules.”

Gallagher’s remarks echoed those of former England striker Wayne Rooney, who told BBC viewers the show was “crap” and “too flat,” despite his appreciation for some of the performers. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had announced the halftime program in March, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin overseeing the production. The segment saw Madonna escorted onto the pitch by Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, followed by a rendition of “Seven Nation Army” by the Muppets and conductor Gustavo Dudamel.

Critics have also pointed to FIFA’s introduction of in-game hydration breaks, which create additional advertising slots, arguing that the focus on spectacle and revenue is eclipsing traditional football values. The event’s opening ceremony earlier in the day featured a lineup that included Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, Jennifer Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger, Laura Pausini, streamer IShowSpeed, Post Malone and rapper Swae Lee.