SerpApi.Org
The 2026 World Cup final halftime show featured numerous high-profile performers and festivities, including Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, and even the Queen of Pop, Madonna. Yet audiences were left dissatisfied with the show for several reasons, including Madonna's use of two icons as "props".
Madonna performed her 2000 hit 'Music' during her halftime appearance at the quadrennial sporting event, but she did not perform on the pitch like the other performers, sparking theories there may have been a major secret behind her segment. Additionally, the Queen of Pop brought out Brazilian soccer icons Ronaldo and Ronaldinho during her act, traveling together on a pink dune buggy. She was followed by Bieber.
Yet fans swiftly voiced concerns that it appeared the two soccer stars had "no idea what was being said or done." Their concerns came before Donald Trump refused to leave the stage following Spain's win.
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Someone online posted, "They got Ronaldinho and Ronaldo in that vehicle with no idea what's being said or done. This is elder abuse-Madonna included."
Another expressed their criticism, stating, "The halftime show is awful. America must never host the World Cup again. Madonna even brought out Ronaldo and Ronaldinho as props."
Numerous viewers online shared their dissatisfaction with the halftime show, reports the Mirror US. A user posted a scathing review in the comments of the X post, writing, "Justin Bieber sang a sad ballad. The transition from that to Shakira shaking her a-- was too funny. Miss Piggy and some kids were doing their own thing. It felt like a middle school play rather than the FIFA WORLD CUP."
Another person said, "Was laughing my head off at Ronaldo and Ronaldinho."
And a third person chimed in, "FIFA halftime show is a reflection of the state of the world. Nonsensical and chaotic af."
The main criticism of Bieber was the tempo change of the event when he sang his slow, heartfelt track "EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH."
The Canadian pop star was brought onto the stage by Ted Lasso actors Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, who theatrically subbed him into the game, promising a great performance.
Yet the singer left audiences distinctly unimpressed.
Following Justin's performance, one person wrote on X, "Nothing hypes a crowd more than a slow acoustic guitar set from Justin Bieber," while another slammed, "Justin Bieber just slowed down the whole halftime show."
A third fumed, "Of all the songs on his catalogue, it's this song Justin Bieber decided to perform at the halftime show? ? ? ? ? ?" A fourth raged, "Justin Bieber brought the mood down, and Shakira brought back the World Cup vibe."
The 32-year-old was reportedly added to the lineup at the last minute. Despite the backlash, some supporters defended him, with one stating, "World Cup Half and everybody needs a back track on their vocals except Justin Bieber. He is an undeniably phenomenal live performer."
