Veteran singer Rod Stewart is facing significant backlash after attending the FIFA 2026 World Cup opening ceremony in Boston, just days after canceling a concert due to health issues. The 79-year-old singer, a well-known supporter of the Scottish national team, flew to Boston with his sons Liam and Alastair to watch Scotland defeat Haiti. However, his presence at the crowded event has angered fans who had purchased tickets for his canceled June 12 concert in Chula Vista, California.
Stewart had issued a statement hours before the concert, citing acute laryngitis and a respiratory infection as reasons for the last-minute cancellation. Many fans expressed understanding and wished him a speedy recovery. But when videos and photos of Stewart cheering at the World Cup surfaced online, disappointment turned into criticism.
Fan Reactions and Criticism
Social media users flooded Stewart's accounts with comments expressing hurt and frustration. One fan wrote, "Mr. Rod Stewart, you cancelled the concert at Chula Vista at the last minute, claiming acute respiratory infection and laryngitis. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of ticket holders were at the parking entrance when they were turned away." Another shared a personal story: "My 3 sons took my 82-year-old mother out of her nursing facility and drove to San Diego last night. Thanks for crushing an 82-year-old and the 3 young men who wanted to share that moment with her. You suck."
Many pointed out the apparent hypocrisy of canceling a concert due to illness but then attending a major sporting event. One user noted, "If the reason behind his cancellation had been legit, and if there were things to worry about, no one would have called him out. However, only days after cancelling the concert, his appearance at FIFA raised a big question mark." The same user added, "Those of us who have followed your career know that you have built an extraordinary legacy thanks to the support and loyalty of your audience. For that very reason, we expected a little more empathy, consideration, and respect."
Another loyal fan wrote, "I love Rod Stewart I always have I always will. This is the only thing I've ever disagreed with that he's done. People are so hurt all through this thread and it's understandable."
Stewart's World Cup Excitement
Before the backlash, Stewart had shared his excitement on social media. He posted a video of himself on a private jet with his sons, captioned: "Me and the boys off to Boston to see our Scotland in the World Cup! No Scotland no party." In the video, he said, "It's been 28 years so these kids, I've told them about it, but they've never been, I've been to seven World Cups." At the event, he was seen cheering as Scotland secured a victory over Haiti.
As of now, neither Stewart nor his representatives have issued a public statement addressing the controversy.
