SerpApi.Org
The FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime show brought out a star-studded lineup of musicians—including Shakira, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and BTS—doing what they do best. However, despite the exciting lineup, some fans were less thrilled about Justin Bieber's performance. The Baby singer performed one of his viral hits, "EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH," a slow, soulful song about gratitude.
Many viewers complained about how the song's "slow" pace did not match the World Cup's energy, with someone writing on X, "Justin Bieber chose the song very poorly." Another viewer commented on the underwhelming production, stating, "Justin Bieber performing at halftime felt just like when your musician friend pulls out their guitar at a party."
In contrast, Shakira, who has a longstanding association with the tournament, bust out an energetic performance with complex choreography to her song 'Dai Dai,' which is also the official song for the 2026 World Cup. Fans flooded social media with praises for the singer, with one noting, "Shakira moving to save the day after the a-- Justin Bieber did." While another said, "sorry but only shakira felt like an actual WORLD CUP performance." It comes as Argentina committed one final unsportsmanlike act during Spain's medal ceremony.
• Lionel Messi slammed and loses respect of fans for desperate 'rat' act in World Cup final
• Argentina player loses control and attacks 2 Spain stars at fulltime in disgraceful scenes
Reflecting on the impact her performance had and her World Cup history, an X user posted, "Is Shakira to the World Cup what Mariah Carey is to Christmas?"
Another wrote, "Shakira is the ONLY ARTIST who can say that she has sung in 4 World Cup finals. She was at the finals of 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2026. The Colombian is a total legend. THE QUEEN OF THE WORLD CUPS."
In contrast, Justin Bieber's performance wasn't the only part of the World Cup final that got slammed.
Lionel Messi was savagely yanked back by Donald Trump in an excruciating moment.
And many soccer fans seemed confused by the extensive celebrity lineup, which even included actor Tom Cruise, who delivered an opening monologue before the game.
As the heavy winds blew at his long hair, Cruise said, "30 days ago, 40 nations began a journey across oceans. They crossed borders. They crossed cultures. And together, they showed why this game belongs to the world.
"Football is a language spoken without words. A force that unites people. That turns strangers into friends. And reminds us what we all have in common.
"These stories belong to each and every one of us, " Cruise smiled before finishing, "Let us celebrate each other! This is football. This is greatness."
Viewers took to social media and called Tom's speech "cringeworthy" and "silly." A user wrote, "Why is Tom Cruise babbling weird nonsense? Why does he look like a chipmunk? This is cringe."
Some even pointed at the tournament's move to just invite many celebrities together for the sake of "having famous people."
An X user remarked, "The most American s--- is just throwing as many random celebrities as possible at an event without rhyme or reason. Just famous people for the sake of having famous people."
Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sports, and entertainment stories.
