World Cup Halftime Show Sparks Fierce Debate: Why Are Fans Calling It “Horrendous”?
The team’s players also appeared rowing together on the stadium’s giant screens, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
The playful performance quickly stood out among the night’s celebrity-filled lineup and gave fans one of the most lighthearted moments of the final.
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Not everyone was impressed, though. One viewer joked, “Better than Bieber lmao.”
Another wasn’t sold on the performance at all, writing, “What a load of absolute nonsense.”
BTS’s comeback performance drew harsh reviews online
Image credits: Sportime/YouTube
The FIFA World Cup final also became a major milestone for BTS, who are currently making their comeback after a three-year hiatus while the group’s members completed South Korea’s mandatory military service.
Taking the stage in coordinated red, white, and black outfits, the K-pop superstars performed their global hit Dynamite, the song that became their first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2020.
BTS performs “Dynamite” at the FIFA #WorldCup Final Halftime Show
(via FOX) pic.twitter.com/wYmvwYwKX9
— Variety (@Variety) July 19, 2026
The performance made sense for a stage watched by billions around the world, with BTS choosing one of the songs that introduced them to mainstream audiences outside South Korea.
Their appearance came after Madonna’s opening set and before performances by Justin Bieber and Shakira, while all the night’s headliners later returned to perform We Dance, an original song written by Coldplay’s Chris Martin for the historic halftime show.
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Although BTS received loud cheers inside the stadium, their performance also drew criticism online.
One viewer wrote, “They need to be temporarily banned from performing again.”
Another commented, “Quite an awful performance.”
A third added, “Of course they can’t sing.”
Justin Bieber got the ultimate pep talk before diving into a football crowd
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One of the funniest moments of FIFA’s first-ever World Cup halftime show came before Justin Bieber even started singing.
In a surprise appearance, Jason Sudeikis returned as Ted Lasso, joined by Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard, to introduce the pop star as if he were being substituted into the biggest football match in the world.
Walking across the field with Bieber waiting nearby, Lasso joked that the halftime show needed someone who could “bring the love” before calling the singer onto the pitch. He even handed him one last pep talk.
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“All right, young man. Let’s go! It’s your big shot. Don’t be nervous. Nobody’s watching. Make us proud.”
The sketch also featured a playful nod to Ted Lasso’s famous “BELIEVE” sign, replacing it with “BELIEBE,” a reference to Bieber’s name that drew laughs from the crowd.
The lighthearted introduction was followed by Bieber performing Everything Hallelujah with nothing more than an acoustic guitar. The quieter performance stood in sharp contrast to the high-energy sets from Madonna, BTS, and Shakira.
While some viewers appreciated the change of pace, many felt it slowed the halftime show’s momentum.
@varietymagazine#JustinBieber performs a special version of “EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH” at the FIFA #WorldCup♬ original sound – Variety
One fan wrote, “Read the room, Bieber. No one wanted to listen to your sh*tty slow music.”
Another commented, “Without a doubt the worst minute of any show ever.”
Others, however, thought the Ted Lasso sketch made the entire segment worthwhile.
“Ted Lasso as the hype man for Justin Bieber wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card, but it somehow worked perfectly.”
Another fan added, “Ted Lasso’s energy is unmatched. Bieber is in GOOD hands.”
Shakira reminded everyone why she’s football’s “godmother”
Image credits: Sportime/YouTube
If there was one performer who immediately felt at home during FIFA’s first-ever World Cup halftime show, it was Shakira.
The Colombian superstar returned to football’s biggest stage wearing a sparkling pink-and-yellow sequined bodysuit as she performed the tournament’s official anthem, Dai Dai, alongside Nigerian singer Burna Boy.
Her energetic performance came toward the end of the nearly 30-minute halftime show, which transformed the World Cup final into a Super Bowl-style entertainment event.
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But despite the star-studded lineup, many viewers felt Shakira stood out from the rest.
One fan wrote, “How many World Cups is it gonna take for us to recognise that Shakira is the godmother of the World Cup?”
Image credits: Sportime/YouTube
Another joked, “Shakira’s performance was more interesting than the match.”
Years after unforgettable World Cup performances like Waka Waka and La La La, many viewers felt she once again delivered one of the night’s strongest moments.
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