Justin Bieber became one of the biggest talking points of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final—not because of the football, but because of a song choice that left millions of viewers stunned.
As Spain and Argentina headed into halftime locked in a tense 0-0 battle at MetLife Stadium, history was made with the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show. Fans expected a high-energy spectacle packed with chart-topping anthems, but Bieber took the stage with a completely different approach.
Instead of performing one of his biggest global hits, the pop superstar chose “Everything Hallelujah,” a slow, emotional ballad from his 2025 album Swag II. The mellow performance immediately caught fans off guard, with many taking to social media to question whether it was the right song for football’s biggest stage.
Within minutes, reactions flooded online.
One fan joked, “Justin Bieber picked the 86th most famous song in his catalogue for the halftime show. That was definitely a choice.”
Another viewer wrote, “What is this song choice? Bieber has completely killed the mood.”
Others wondered why the singer didn’t perform one of his iconic crowd favorites that fans around the world could instantly sing along to.
“No way that’s the song you choose on the biggest stage in football,” one post read, while another added, “This is a terrible song for Bieber to play.”
Some critics even joked that the slow-paced performance nearly put them to sleep, arguing that a World Cup final deserved a more energetic and celebratory atmosphere.
Despite the criticism, not everyone disliked the performance. Some fans praised Bieber for choosing artistry over expectations, calling the emotional ballad a refreshing contrast to the usual high-octane halftime performances. Still, the overwhelming online discussion centered on whether the song matched the occasion.
The halftime show itself marked a historic milestone for FIFA. Curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, the 11-minute production featured an all-star lineup including Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus, and appearances from beloved characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets.
Beyond the entertainment, the concert also supported the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative dedicated to expanding access to education and football programs for children around the world.
Even with so many global stars sharing the stage, Bieber’s performance became the night’s biggest talking point. Long after the players returned to the pitch, fans were still debating one question:
Was “Everything Hallelujah” a bold artistic statement—or simply the wrong song for the biggest stage in football?