The 2026 World Cup draw has not yet taken place, but the opening videos featuring Rio Ferdinand have already caused a stir on social media. From his expressions, his way of speaking to his jokes, many people think that the former football star's performance is unnatural, even annoying.
Controversial performance before G hour
During the nearly 90-minute build-up, Ferdinand took part in a series of interactive videos, including one with Hollywood stars Matthew McConaughey and Salma Hayek, as well as a series of videos explaining how the World Cup is run for children.
However, instead of creating a positive effect, these videos made him the focus of criticism. Many social media users said that Ferdinand's demeanor in front of the camera was "unnatural", "unemotional" and even "embarrassing".
Many sarcastic comments appeared on X:
“Rio Ferdinand's acting was terrible.”
“Nobody needs to see Rio Ferdinand 'act'. Come on…”
“Worse than Diana Ross's miss in USA 94.”
Some even question why he is given such an important role in FIFA's opening videos.
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Embarrassing moment
A joke by Ferdinand during the opening ceremony is said to have left the entire audience “in awkward silence”. However, immediately after the ceremony, the former midfielder still appeared excited when posting on X:
“Mission accomplished – Kennedy Center complete! Out + Out.”
But his positive response did little to dampen the growing wave of criticism.
Controversy after controversy: Self-proclaimed 'man of the people' but living in Dubai
Just a day before being criticized for his acting, Ferdinand also faced public criticism when he declared that he was a “man of the people” in an interview about the issue of World Cup ticket prices.
What has caused outrage is that he moved to Dubai with his family in August – where there is no income tax like in the UK.
Many football fans expressed outrage:
“A man of the people… lives in Dubai to avoid taxes.”
“A man of the people, but doesn't contribute to schools or hospitals in the UK.”
“A tax-free royal life and you want to represent fans?”
Asked about FIFA’s “variable ticket pricing” policy, Ferdinand insisted that everything needed to be “accessible to fans”, but his statement was seen as contradicting the fact that he lives in a tax-free country.
World Cup 2026 ticket prices: A simmering wave of controversy
FIFA has adopted a flexible ticket pricing system for the 2026 World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada – a model that has caused strong reactions at many major music events.
Accordingly:
Group stage tickets expected from 60 USD
Final tickets can cost up to $6,730
Prices may change based on demand, similar to how Ticketmaster did during the Oasis tour.
This has many people worried that ordinary fans will be "pushed out of the game".
FIFA representatives said ticket prices will be adjusted according to ticket inventory and market demand, but affirmed that there will be no price changes that are too quick or unreasonable.
According to Daily Mail
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/cuu-sao-man-united-bi-chi-trich-vi-dien-xuat-qua-lo-tai-le-boc-tham-world-cup-186119.html
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