SerpApi.Org
The 2026 World Cup final halftime show brought together many big names for performances and celebration, including Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, and even the Queen of Pop, Madonna. However, viewers were left disappointed with the show for numerous reasons, including how Madonna brought out two legends as "props".
Madonna sang her 2000 hit 'Music' during her halftime performance, but she did not perform on the field like the other acts, prompting speculation there may have been a huge secret behind her set. Furthermore, the Queen of Pop brought out Brazilian soccer legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho during her performance, riding together on a pink dune buggy.
However, fans quickly expressed that it looked like the two soccer players had "no idea what's being said or done." Someone online wrote, "They got Ronaldinho and Ronaldo in that vehicle with no idea what's being said or done. This is elder abuse—Madonna included." Another chimed in with disapproval, writing, "The halftime show is awful. America must never host the World Cup again. Madonna even brought out Ronaldo and Ronaldinho as props." It comes as a lip reader exposed Gianni Infantino's desperate plea to Trump that he ignored in a humiliating moment.
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Many viewers online echoed disappointment with the halftime show.
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 & 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."
Although it wasn't as bad as when Lionel Messi was savagely yanked back by Donald Trump in an excruciating moment.
On the other hand, Justin Bieber was also on the receiving end of major backlash for performing his slow, soulful song "EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH."
Justin was introduced to the stage by Ted Lasso stars Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, who appeared to sub him into the game and promised a great performance.
However, the singer left viewers underwhelmed.
Following Justin's performance, one person wrote on X, "Nothing hypes a crowd more than a slow acoustic guitar set from Justin Bieber," as 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 criticism, some fans came to his defense, with one saying, "World Cup Half and everybody needs a back track on their vocals except Justin Bieber. He is an undeniably phenomenal live performer."
It comes as Argentina committed one final unsportsmanlike act during Spain's medal ceremony.
