Rooney Slams South Africa 2010 as His ‘Least Enjoyable’ World Cup Experience

The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa is often celebrated as a historic and colorful tournament, but former England and Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney sees it very differently. The ex-England captain has labelled the competition as the worst he ever took part in, citing a lack of energy and excitement surrounding the event.

While many football legends remember the first World Cup held on African soil as lively and unforgettable, Rooney’s view sharply contrasts with that narrative. Icons such as Andrés Iniesta, Gianluigi Buffon, Thomas Müller, and Diego Forlán have all spoken positively about the tournament, highlighting its unique atmosphere and significance.

Why Rooney Was Left Disappointed in South Africa

Reflecting on his experience during an appearance on The Overlap, Rooney did not hold back in expressing his frustration. According to him, the issue was not necessarily inside the stadiums, but rather the overall environment leading up to matches.

He recalled traveling to England’s opening fixture against the United States and being struck by how quiet everything felt. Unlike previous tournaments, where teams are welcomed by crowds of passionate supporters lining the streets, Rooney described a completely different scene.

There were no fans gathering outside, no sense of occasion, and very little to suggest a major global event was underway. For him, this absence of buzz made it feel unlike a World Cup, something he found both surprising and disappointing.

Rooney’s struggles on the pitch mirrored his feelings off it. He endured a difficult campaign, failing to register a goal or assist as England exited the tournament in the Round of 16 after a controversial defeat to Germany. Despite starting all four matches against the USA, Algeria, Slovenia, and Germany, he was unable to make his usual impact.

Rooney Backs 2026 Tournament to Deliver a Better Experience

Looking ahead, Rooney is far more optimistic about the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He believes the scale and organization of the event will create a much more exciting and engaging atmosphere.

He pointed out that while travel distances and costs may pose challenges for supporters, the overall experience is likely to be exceptional. Rooney praised the United States in particular for its ability to stage major sporting events, suggesting that fans can expect a well-organized and entertaining tournament.

In his view, the 2026 edition has all the ingredients needed to become one of the standout World Cups in history, a sharp contrast to his memories of South Africa 2010.