BBC World Cup viewers fume over ‘number 1 rule broken’ in halftime ‘fail’
The World Cup halftime left many disgruntled (Image: Getty)
The BBC aired the World Cup’s first-ever halftime show, featuring Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber taking to the transformed pitch for an 11-minute performance. The controversial change from FIFA kicked off with the Material Girl icon singing backstage before being driven onto the world stage alongside footballing legends Ronaldinho and retired Brazilian striker, Ronaldo. The show then quickly shifted to the Korean boy band BTS, who performed their 2020 hit, “Dynamite.”
There was then a surprise appearance from Ted Lasso’s Jason Sudeikis and Coach Beard star Brendan Hunt, who appeared in character to sub on Justin Bieber. However, there was a significant shift in the arena as the excitement from Madonna and BTS’s show dropped as the singer opted for his slow-tempo single, Everything Hallelujah. This mistake was also noticed by viewers as one fumed: “Justin, bro, you’re killing the mood in the stadium!!” As another echoed: “JB, out of your whole catalogue, you come through with Hallelujah to follow up Madonna and BTS. nooooo.” A third added: “Rule #1 of halftime shows… no slow songs!”
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Justin Bieber performed Hallelujah during the halftime (Image: Getty)
A fourth slammed: “Nothing hypes up a World Cup crowd like a sad slow**s Bieber song.”
“Madonna set the bar so high that Bieber looked like he walked into the wrong stadium, with lullaby energy. Thanks for breaking the momentum, Justin,” echoed another viewer.
Despite the backlash, one fan recognised the star’s efforts and praised: “Justin really is THAT guy, doesn’t need dancers or even a backing track like the rest.”
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The Canadian crooner acknowledged the significance of the moment and changed the mellow lyrics of his song about gratitude to highlight the World Cup.
Where he usually repeats: “Everything hallelujah” three times, Justin instead sang: “It’s the World Cup, hallelujah.”
Madonna kicked off the halftime performance (Image: Getty)
Following his performance, the halftime show was back in the trusted hands of Shakira, who quickly lifted the spirits of BBC viewers with her hit dance single, Dai Dai.
She was joined by Nigerian artist Burna Boy, who also features on the song, for their electric performance, which included a plethora of dancers, as the single is the official 2026 World Cup anthem.
Britain’s Got Talent’s unforgettable dance troupe, Ghetto Kids, also made a surprise appearance next to the Colombian icon.
The Ugandan group, who made their way to the contest’s finals, were the first to receive a golden buzzer during their 2023 stint and were personally asked by Shakira to join her for the World Cup halftime show.
