Justin Bieber’s World Cup half-time performance ignites theory despite backlash

Spain took on Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday (19 July), resulting in their triumphant 1-0 victory.

During the game, several A-listers gathered at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to put on a Super Bowl-style half-time show.

Alongside Justin Bieber, the likes of Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus, Coldplay, and appearances from Sesame Street and The Muppets characters took to the stage to deliver the 11-minute mini-concert.

The show resulted in the customary 15-minute half-time break lasting more than 27 minutes.

For the FIFA World Cup's first-ever half-time show, Bieber walked onto the pitch before lifting up his guitar and performing a fully acoustic version of 'Everything Hallelujah' - a musical choice which sparked backlash amongst fans who thought it was way too lowkey given the major sporting occasion.

Justin Bieber performed 'Everything Hallelujah' at the World Cup half-time show on Sunday (Hannah Peters - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

"The energy of that Justin Bieber halftime show song matched the first half perfectly," one social media user hit out.

Another teased: "Justin Bieber put me to sleep with that slow halftime song."

"The fact that Justin Bieber is playing the slowest song and acoustic at the WC final??? This is why there shouldn’t be a halftime show," a third complained.

Amidst the avalanche of fans begging for a more upbeat number was the theory that Bieber's World Cup halftime show performance could possibly pave the way for an eventual tour by the Canadian hit-maker.

One X user urged: "Announce the tour, JB."

"Yes JB announce the tour so I can go by myself," quipped a second as a third chimed in: "Justin Bieber is going to tour again, and I’m all for it."

A fourth gushed: "#JustinBieber is proving he can sing & write/play his own music.

"He probably has to wait a certain time period before bringing the band back? Touring? He’ll be back in a new capacity."

"Justin Bieber on tour hallelujah," joked a fifth as a sixth echoed: "JUSTIN BIEBER HALLELUJAH. BIEBERCUP HALLELUJAH. SWAG TOUR HALLELUJAH. BELIEBERS HALLELUJAH."

Fans speculated whether Bieber would announce a tour soon following his World Cup performance (Justin Setterfield / Staff / Getty Images)

Another chirped: "World Cup hallelujah. Justin Bieber go on tour hallelujah."

And a final X user added: "You will see me at the Justin Bieber tour wearing purple."

The halftime show received a mixed bag of reactions, with some absolutely loving it while others were far from impressed.

Former England forward Wayne Rooney branded the first World Cup 'crap'.

Rooney, who was at the MetLife Stadium working as a BBC pundit alongside Joe Hart and Micah Richards, didn't hesitate to share his thoughts.

After the trio were asked for their highlights of the show by presenter Gabby Logan, the 40-year-old replied: "I’ll be honest, mine was when it finished.

"I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was crap.

"It just didn’t get me going, and I wanted the football to come back on. I like Burna Boy, I like Bieber, I like Shakira, but that was too flat."

Tyla has reached out to Justin Bieber's representatives for comment.