VIDEO: Rooney Calls South Africa 2010 World Cup “Worst Ever,” Sparks Debate Among Fans

Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has sparked controversy after describing the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa as the worst World Cup he has ever participated in. His remarks have stirred debates among fans and football analysts, many of whom remember the tournament as historic and memorable.

Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Rooney criticized several aspects of the tournament, including the atmosphere and the overall experience for players. “You are not getting a worse World Cup than South Africa in 2010. That tournament never felt like a World Cup,” he said. He further described the opening game against the United States as “pitch black” and suggested that the stadiums lacked the energy typically expected at a World Cup.

Rooney’s assessment appears influenced by England’s disappointing performance in the tournament. The Three Lions struggled during the group stage, drawing against the United States and Algeria before narrowly defeating Slovenia. England was eventually eliminated in the Round of 16 by Germany, a campaign that left many players and fans frustrated.

Despite Rooney’s personal views, many observers remember the 2010 World Cup positively. The tournament marked the first time the FIFA World Cup was hosted on the African continent, a milestone celebrated worldwide. Fans still recall iconic moments, including Siphiwe Tshabalala’s opening goal for South Africa and the global hit song “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” which became the official tournament anthem.

Other players have previously praised the 2010 tournament, highlighting the quality of football, organization, and the unique atmosphere of South African cities. The event also showcased South Africa’s capability to host a major international sporting event, with millions of fans tuning in from around the world.

Rooney’s comments, however, have reignited discussions about the challenges players face in tournaments, including travel fatigue, unfamiliar conditions, and the pressure of performing on the world stage. Some fans argue that his criticisms are fair from a player’s perspective, while others feel he undervalues the historical and cultural significance of South Africa 2010.

The debate has continued on social media, with supporters defending the tournament as memorable and culturally rich, while others agree that certain logistical and atmospheric aspects could have been improved. Despite differing opinions, it is clear that South Africa 2010 remains a defining moment in World Cup history.

As conversations about Rooney’s remarks continue, the tournament’s legacy as Africa’s first World Cup host remains undeniable. For many fans, the combination of thrilling matches, memorable goals, and vibrant fan celebrations continues to make the 2010 World Cup a landmark event in football history, regardless of individual players’ opinions.

Watch the video below:

Rooney: “You are not getting a WORSE World Cup than South Africa in 2010. 😂😂

🎥 The Overlap pic.twitter.com/QxqlSkZkC8

— Mac (@Mac_Gooner) March 19, 2026

Source: Thepressradio.com