South Africa 2010 was the worst World Cup – Rooney

Former English footballer, Wayne Rooney has described the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as the worst tournament experience of his career.

According to him, the competition lacked the usual atmosphere associated with World Cups, citing lighting issues and the absence of fans in the stadiums.

The former Manchester United striker explained that one of the factors that made the tournament boring for him was the lack of supporters to cheer on teams and players during matches.

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Speaking on The Overlap, Rooney asserted that, compared to other tournaments he played in, South Africa 2010 was the worst.

“You are not getting a worse World Cup than South Africa in 2010. The first game we played, we’re traveling in, it’s pitch black, there’s no fans there. Normally at a World Cup, there are fans everywhere and you feel the atmosphere. But there was nothing. It was dead. It just didn’t feel like a World Cup at all,” he noted.

However, Rooney added that the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the United States will provide a better experience for players and officials, saying: “America won’t be like that.”

Meanwhile, during the 2010 World Cup, Rooney was part of the England squad that was eliminated in the Round of 16 after suffering a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Germany.

His comments have sparked backlash from some football fans and pundits, who believe Rooney’s remarks were unfair and driven by frustration over England’s early exit.

The South Africa 2010 World Cup is widely regarded by many fans as one of the best in history, celebrated for its atmosphere and cultural impact.

Watch Rooney's remark below:

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

🎥 The Overlap pic.twitter.com/QxqlSkZkC8

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