Soccer fans and analysts voiced strong dissatisfaction with the playing field at MetLife Stadium during the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, with many also criticizing the extended halftime show. The match, which concluded the tournament, featured a lengthy entertainment break that drew ire from traditionalists.
The condition of the pitch was a significant concern throughout the first half, which ended scoreless. Observers noted patchy areas and instances where the ball did not roll smoothly, impacting the players' ability to establish rhythm. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, and Spain both struggled to find their footing on the uneven surface.
"The pitch is a disaster. Unworthy of a final," one social media user commented, with another describing the field quality as "pathetic." Former England international Ian Wright echoed these sentiments, stating, "The pitch is poor. It's ridiculous. It shouldn't be played on there."
The halftime entertainment, headlined by Madonna and featuring Justin Bieber, was extended to nearly 30 minutes, a duration significantly longer than the standard 15-minute break. This prolonged interval for the Super Bowl-style show was met with frustration by many viewers who preferred uninterrupted gameplay.
Wayne Rooney, a former Manchester United and England player, offered a blunt assessment: "My favourite bit of the half time show was when it finished… I like all of them artists but I thought it was crap." The popular X account 'Football Tweet' highlighted the extended stoppage, stating, "Whistle to whistle, half- time in the World Cup Final lasted an absurd 27 minutes and 24 seconds. Nearly half an hour without football… all for a show nobody asked for. Just get the players back on the pitch."
Fans also expressed concern that the field would suffer further damage due to the extensive halftime performance, which saw artists performing on the pitch.
The match, held at the 80,000-seat MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, saw a global audience tuning in for its showpiece event. Despite the concerns over the field and the halftime show's length, the second half was prepared for the resumption of play after the extensive entertainment concluded.