Whether you like it or not, Mr Brightside by the Killers is the iconic soundtrack to thousands of nights of partying. It doesn’t matter if it’s a particularly raucous bar, the final few moments of a wedding or a dozen other types of occasion, many people have at some point found themselves bellowing the chorus out with a pint in hand. Now it seems the song has started making appearances in more place – second half hydration breaks in the World Cup 2026. The breaks,
which essentially divide the game into four quarters, have proved controversial, with many England fans booing the one during the first half of the team’s opening match against Croatia on Wednesday night. Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter However the familiar tune was played during the hydration break in the second half, with many fans at the stadium singing along. There was a bit of a mixed reaction to the popular song being blasted out however
– with users on X, formerly known as Twitter , divided. Some people welcomed the choice, with one writing: “They are legit playing the English national pub anthem during the hydration break. ” Another wrote: “Not sure I’ll ever get over that Mr Brightside hydration break. Soccer.” A third added: “Watching the footy and the music during the hydration break is Mr Brightside by The Killers …. I would bet good money that it’s one of the few songs that everyone in the world knows
pretty much all the words to.” Another added: “They are legit playing the English national pub anthem during the hydration break. Not everyone was happy however. One fan wrote: “Hydration break and if that isn’t bad enough they’re playing Mr Brightside. And just in case that isn’t bad enough, the crowd are singing along to it.” Another added: “Playing The Killers at full volume in the middle of a game during the hydration break. Games never been more gone man. The Yanks have won.
England fans, Mr Brightside, The Killers, hydration break, World Cup 2026, Croatia, X, booing, singing
Bruh hydration breaks in World Cup 2026 and it’s Mr Brightside… why are we acting like it’s a concert.
I saw something about England booing and I was like of course they are. If they’re gonna force a hydration break they could at least pick something normal not a random party song.
Wait so they booed in the first half then sang it in the second? That’s honestly kinda hilarious. Also I don’t get why people are mad at the music like the game is still happening lol, it’s not like it changed the rules or the score or whatever.
This sounds like typical “keeping the yanks away” behavior, like the song is only for English fans or something. And hydration break?? I thought those were like TV timeouts, so why’s it during the actual match. If they can play The Killers at full volume midgame then maybe they should just play NFL highlights too. Idk I’m just annoyed and I hate hearing booing in general.