Justin Bieber performing on stage during the FIFA World Cup Halftime Show
A Historic Lineup Takes a Hit
The first-ever FIFA World Cup Halftime Show was designed to be an electric milestone in sports history. Instead, the global broadcast took a sharp detour when 32-year-old Justin Bieber hit the stage.
As Spain and Argentina headed into the locker rooms locked in a tense 0-0 draw at the New York-New Jersey Stadium, the crowd anticipated a high-octane spectacle to reignite the atmosphere.
Organizers had initially set a powerhouse tone in May by announcing Madonna, BTS, and Shakira as the event’s debut headliners. Bieber was a late addition to the mix, officially joining the global roster weeks later in July.
The “Ted Lasso” Intro and a Viral Misfire
Actor Jason Sudeikis, heavily associated with the sport through his hit character Ted Lasso, stepped up to introduce Bieber to the massive stadium crowd.
Fans were primed for an adrenaline-pumping setlist. Bieber delivered the exact opposite.
The pop star opted for a lethargic, slow rendition of his current TikTok-viral track, “EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH.”
Backlash Over Deflated Momentum
Viewers immediately voiced their frustration, heavily criticizing the singer for misreading the room. Fans slammed the performance online, noting that the sluggish tempo did absolutely nothing to build excitement for the remainder of a scoreless championship match.
Rather than elevating the stakes of the Spain and Argentina showdown, Bieber’s set left fans feeling entirely deflated before the second half whistle.
