Viewers were outraged after commentators talked over Michael Bublé’s performance at the World Cup opening ceremony on June 12
Michael Buble performs during the Parade of Nations at the FIFA World Cup 2026 (Image: Getty Images)
World Cup commentators talked over Michael Bublé’s performance during the opening ceremony, leaving viewers frustrated.
On June 12, the Canadian men’s national soccer team made its appearance at the FIFA World Cup at Toronto Stadium, facing Bosnia and Herzegovina in its opening match. Bublé, 50, took to the stage during the pre-match ceremony ahead of the Group B clash, delivering a rendition of Sam Cooke’s 1960s classic, Bring It On Home to Me.
However, audiences were unable to fully appreciate Bublé’s performance, as commentators Gabby Logan, Steve Wilson, Olivier Giroud, and Micah Richards continued talking throughout. This occurred against the backdrop of Canada’s absence of captain Alphonso Davies for their World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Frustrated viewers flooded social media to voice their anger at the commentators for overshadowing Bublé’s moment in the spotlight.
One viewer remarked, “Very rude to talk over Michael Buble,” reports the Mirror US.
Michael’s performance was talked over angering fans (Image: AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
Another fumed, “The dulcet tones of Michael Buble that we couldn’t hear because you chatted s–t over it? Lads, the BBC coverage of this opening ceremony has been dog–t.”
Not everyone shared the outrage, however, with one viewer taking a lighthearted swipe at the Canadian singer: “Just seen Michael Buble singing on TV, and he’s not trying to sell a Christmas album. I’m so confused.”
In addition to Bublé and fellow Canadian icon Alanis Morissette, the opening ceremony also featured performances from Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyes, and Nora Fatehi.
Meanwhile, Canada’s national team will take to the field without their skipper Alphonso Davies for their World Cup opener, with midfielder Stephen Eustaquio stepping up to wear the armband.
In a historic first, Canada will host a World Cup match on home turf, as the nation continues its search for an elusive first victory in the tournament. Davies remains the only player to have ever found the net for Canada at a World Cup, but a hamstring injury will keep him sidelined for the match.
When questioned about the weight of captaining his country, Eustaquio said, “I think I just have to be myself, that’s what I’ve been doing for the past couple of months and years under Jesse.
Michael performed at the Canadian opening ceremony (Image: AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
“Obviously, our captain is Phonzie. I’m wishing him a speedy recovery, because we need a player like that to help us go through this group,” he went on to say.
“For me, it’s a dream come true. At the same time, I know my goals, I know what I need to do, and I’m very focused on that task.”
Turning his attention to the opposition, Eustaquio noted, “We know that Bosnia wants the same thing, it’s going to be a very tough game, but at the same time, we understand that if we win our first game in this group stage, that’s going to make us feel better for the second, and maybe get out of the group stage.”
