Liam Gallagher Slams World Cup Final Halftime Spectacle as Surreal Nightmare

Liam Gallagher has delivered a blistering attack on the World Cup final halftime show, labelling the star-studded spectacle a “bad trip” that nearly pushed him over the edge. The Oasis frontman, who has been outspoken during the tournament, took to social media on Sunday night to slam the extravagant performance at New Jersey Stadium, which included performers from Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, Burna Boy, and even the Muppets. The ex-Oasis frontman joked that only his “spiritual socks” kept him from being tipped over by the outlandish show, suggesting the carefully choreographed extravaganza failed to meet expectations for one of football’s greatest nights.

A harsh assessment from the legendary musician

Gallagher’s damning assessment of the halftime show presents a sharp counterpoint to the widespread acclaim the show garnered from critics and audiences alike. The rock legend, known for his unfiltered opinions and provocative online activity, has become something of a fixture at major sporting events, using his platform to remark upon everything from the action on the pitch to the entertainment spectacle surrounding it. His dismissal of the carefully orchestrated show—which is said to have cost millions to produce—underscores the generational divide in what constitutes compelling live entertainment. Where some perceived a showcase of international popular culture and musical diversity, Gallagher saw only chaos and excess.

The Oasis frontman’s annoyance may have been compounded by England’s poor elimination from the tournament, which came just days before the final. The Manchester-born musician had been heavily committed in the national team’s success, championing their unofficial anthem “Wonderwall” and rallying support ahead of key games. His personal stake in the competition meant that watching Argentina face Spain in the final—rather than seeing England compete—likely coloured his perspective on the entire evening. For Gallagher, the halftime show’s dreamlike quality perhaps felt like an undesired diversion from the general frustration of the tournament’s outcome.

• Madonna performed in a golf cart operated by football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho
• Justin Bieber delivered a rendition of “Everything Hallelujah” after Coach Ted Lasso’s motivational speech
• BTS made a brief appearance performing a few moments of their hit “Dynamite”
• Shakira and Burna Boy delivered a performance of “Dai Dai” alongside a Staten Island elementary school choir

The Intermission Performance That Split Audiences

A Stellar Lineup Throughout Genres

The World Cup final intermission show brought together an diverse collection of global superstars in what organisers evidently designed as a celebration of musical diversity and cultural unity. The show commenced with Madonna, the iconic pop legend, who made a theatrical entrance through the stadium’s underground tunnels in a golf cart piloted by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. She delivered a fresh rendition of her 2000 classic “Music” alongside her recent single “Danceteria” from her album Confessions II, setting an grand atmosphere for the spectacular display that would follow.

The show’s breadth increased at pace, incorporating performers from virtually every corner of the musical landscape. K-pop sensation BTS delivered a fleeting performance of “Dynamite,” whilst Justin Bieber stepped into the spotlight after a humorous motivational speech from actor Jason Sudeikis, recreating his beloved Coach Ted Lasso character alongside Brendan Hunt’s Coach Beard. The night also presented Shakira and Burna Boy singing “Dai Dai,” and significantly featured the PS 22 Chorus—a group of upper elementary students from a Staten Island primary school—performing a purpose-created Coldplay track titled “We Dance,” with Chris Martin himself joining the show.

• Madonna journeyed through subterranean passages in a small vehicle driven by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho
• Justin Bieber performed “Everything Hallelujah” following Coach Ted Lasso’s inspirational address
• BTS made a brief appearance to deliver their popular track “Dynamite” for the worldwide viewers
• Shakira and Burna Boy worked together on the song “Dai Dai” during the spectacle
• Young PS 22 Chorus members from Staten Island sang Coldplay’s custom-written “We Dance”

From Wonderwall to Disillusionment

Liam Gallagher’s scathing critique of the halftime show could certainly have been coloured by the pain of England’s semi-final exit just days earlier. The Oasis frontman was a vocal champion of the national team throughout the tournament, rallying supporters with the band’s 1996 anthem “Wonderwall,” which had served as the unofficial soundtrack to England’s campaign. Gallagher played a key role in reviving the song’s cultural relevance, tweeting encouragement to the squad ahead of their crucial match against Spain. The semi-final loss, however, meant England would not be competing in the final, potentially diminishing Gallagher’s appetite for the evening’s festivities.

The disappointment of England’s exit may have primed Gallagher to view the halftime production with a particularly critical eye. What organisers had crafted as a celebratory, globe-spanning musical performance seemed to strike the musician as overwrought and disjointed—a perplexing mix of pop royalty, K-pop sensations, comedy sketches, and primary school choirs. His description of the spectacle as “a bad trip” implied a man whose patience for the evening’s increasingly surreal moments had diminished, though he did observe with customary sardonic tone that his “spiritual socks” had prevented matters from deteriorating further.

England’s Elimination and the Anthem’s Lasting Heritage

Despite the setback, “Wonderwall” had already cemented its position in World Cup folklore as England’s unifying anthem across the tournament. Gallagher’s enthusiastic support for the song had struck a chord with supporters, transforming a 30-year-old rock classic into a modern emblem of patriotic sentiment and sporting optimism. Though England’s journey ended in the semi-final stage, the revival of Oasis’s masterpiece represented a notable occasion in the band’s continuing comeback narrative, even as the final itself proceeded without the English supporters to cheer.

Gallagher’s World Cup Journey and What Lies Ahead

Liam Gallagher’s engagement with the World Cup transcended his caustic commentary on the halftime show. Throughout the tournament, the Oasis frontman had been strikingly committed with the sporting spectacle, leveraging his considerable platform to support England’s cause and inject rock and roll swagger into the national team’s campaign. His endeavours to resurrect “Wonderwall” as a current musical symbol demonstrated his enduring relevance and his genuine investment in the team’s fortunes. Even in disappointment, Gallagher’s presence at the World Cup had added a distinctly British cultural dimension to the global event, reminding audiences of the deep connections between music and sport in the nation’s collective consciousness.

Looking ahead, Gallagher’s attention will soon turn to fresh opportunities that stand to benefit from Oasis’s remarkable resurgence. The band’s upcoming film, “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” represents a significant milestone in their comeback story, giving devotees an personal insight at the Gallagher brothers’ unexpected rapprochement and restoration to prominence. Directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace, and created by “Peaky Blinders” creator Steven Knight, the film is set to premiere in September across IMAX and cinemas prior to landing on streaming platforms. This project highlights how Oasis maintains its grip on attention in mainstream entertainment, extending their influence well past the realm of music.