Bieber

As well as Trump’s appearance, the other big talking point in the lead up to the final was the Super Bowl-style half-time show.

While the mid-game break is usually for players to recover from first-half exertion, coaches to give a team-talk and fans to buy food and drinks, this time it was extended to allow a mini-concert to take place.

There were some big names featured – Madonna, BTS, Coldplay and Shakira, whose song ‘Dai Dai’ is the official anthem of the World Cup – all starred, while there was also an appearance by Justin Bieber.

After getting a pep talk from Ted Lasso and his assistant coach Beard, Bieber changed the pace of the otherwise energetic performances with an acoustic guitar version of ‘Everything Hallelujah’.

The half-time interval lasted 27 minutes, but did it work? The reaction among fans was a bit mixed – but inside the Match of the Day studio, the assessment by former England striker Wayne Rooney was pretty blunt.

“I thought it was crap,” he said. “I thought the performances were bad. The timings were bad. Just let us play football.”

Meanwhile, the closing ceremony before the match was similar in style to many other such ceremonies with loud music, dancing on the pitch though with the addition too of a somewhat dramatic speech by actor Cruise.

The first ever FIFA World Cup halftime show attracted a mixed reaction from sports fans – with Wayne Rooney declaring the best part was when it ended, despite Madonna, Justin Bieber and more taking part

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show has been brutally panned despite including performances from the biggest names in music. On Sunday night, Argentina faced off against Spain to fight for the official World Cup trophy, which was delivered to the pitch at the beginning of the match inside a Louis Vuitton case.

But the footballers were not the only major stars to appear on the pitch as a host of big names lined up to perform during the halftime interval. Anticipation was high as the musicians prepared to take centre stage in the first halftime show of its kind in the FIFA tournament’s history.

Pop music legend Madonna kicked off the celebrations with a lively performance of her 2000 single Music – weaving in elements of her recent hit, Bring Your Love. While Bring Your Love duet partner Sabrina Carpenter was nowhere to be seen during her performance, Madge had other major stars at her side to give her appearance an extra punch.

She sat in a pink jeep with Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho at the wheel as they drove into the stadium and took a bow after the chart superstar repeated her infectious chorus, “Music brings the people together.” Cameras then cut to members of The Muppets on stage performing an instrumental version of the White Stripes’ classic song “Seven Nation Army,” with help from Gustavo Dudamel.

Korean pop kings BTS then took over the spectacle, belting out their song Dynamite – before cameras cut to Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt in character as Ted Lasso and Coach Beard. The duo then introduced Canadian pop prince Justin Bieber, who took to the field to strum out his single, EVERYTHING HALLELUJAH.

As the halftime show continued, Shakira took to the centre of the stage alongside Burna Boy and an army of backing dancers to belt out Dai Dai – the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This was then followed by Coldplay and PS22 Chorus, who sang the uplifting track We Believe in Love – before all the performers and dancers took their final bow.

While no one can dispute that the halftime show was packed with major stars, some felt that the show was a disjointed mess – and they made their feelings very clear.

Wayne Rooney was among those to put the boot in. Asked what his favourite part of the show was, he deadpanned: “Mine was when it finished.”

He added: “I like a lot of those artists but I thought it was crap. I did, honestly, it just didn’t get me going, I wanted the football to come back on.” He later explained that he believed Justin Bieber’s performance was “flat”. He fumed: “I liked Burna Boy, I like Bieber, I like Shakira, but that was too flat.”

Liam Gallagher also shared his thoughts, wading in to praise Justin Bieber for his performance of Everything Hallelujah – but hinted he didn’t fully enjoy it. While he said Justin “rules”, he added: “This is like a bad trip… It’s a good job I’ve got my spiritual socks on or that halftime entertainment could have tipped me over the edge.”

However, many fans were thrilled by the halftime show, with one on X, formerly known as Twitter, remarking that the entrance of Madonna alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho was “Iconic”.

There was more music before kickoff, with a fun-filled closing ceremony show. IShowSpeed took to the stage to sing their song, Champions. And Post Malone thrilled fans with a trio of hits; Chrome Heartbreaker, Wow., and the song Sunflower – featuring Swae Lee.

As the kick-off grew closer, Jennifer Hudson appeared to give a powerful performance of the United States National Anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner, while Spanish Brass performed La Marcha Real and Maria Becerra belted out the Argentinian national anthem. And amid all the celebrations, there was even time for Robbie Williams to join Laura Pausini and Nicole Scherzinger to sing the Fifa song, Desire.

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A POP clash is thought to have broken out ahead of the World Cup final halftime show between Madonna and Justin Bieber.

Insiders say the upcoming show has turned into a ‘bitter competition’ between the queen of pop and the Canadian singer.

Coldplay singer Chris Martin – who is in charge of organising the historic music event at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey – is said to be trying to ‘figure it out before it gets out of hand’.

While the Yellow singer has put together an impressive lineup featuring Madonna, Bieber, Shakira and BTS, he is reportedly struggling to creatively manage the two headliners.

An insider told The Daily Mail: “Neither wants to walk away feeling like they played second fiddle.

“Their different approaches have created real tension behind the scenes.”

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According to the publication, the Sorry singer wants to keep his appearance ‘straightforward and risk-free’ – with the music ‘clean, controlled and no distractions’.

“His mindset is simple,” the source continued: “Don’t overcomplicate it, don’t take unnecessary risks and absolutely don’t have a performance that becomes a story for all the wrong reasons.”

On the other hand, it’s said that Madonna wants to make a statement on stage and feels the show should be ‘unforgettable – not safe’.

The insider added: “She believes a stage this massive calls for something people will be talking about for years.”

The closing ceremony will also feature Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and YouTuber IShowSpeed.

The Sun has contacted Justin’s rep for comment.

Justin Bieber better be a fast singer.

The World Cup final halftime show already was going to feature three superstar acts with 121 Billboard Hot 100 hits, 20 No. 1 singles and 12 Grammy Awards among them.

Somehow that must not have been enough star power, because another performer with 123 hits, eight chart toppers and two Grammys has been added to the lineup.

Bieber was announced Wednesday as the fourth co-headliner for the July 19 intermission extravaganza at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., joining South Korean boy band BTS, U.S. pop culture icon Madonna and Latin music superstar Shakira.

Four gigantic worldwide acts might seem like a lot to cram into an 11-minute (!) show, but apparently curator Chris Martin doesn’t see it that way. In addition to the quartet of headliners, Martin also has lined up Nigerian Afrobeats performer Burna Boy, soon-to-be-departing Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel and Staten Island elementary school choir the PS22 Chorus (which will be performing with Martin’s band Coldplay).

Oh yeah, the Muppets will be there, too. Bieber will be lucky if he gets a chance to sing a bar or two from a list of hits that includes “Peaches,” “Sorry,” “Love Yourself” and “Daisies.”

Nonetheless, he seems happy to be part of the festivities, which will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, weeks after attending the U.S.-Paraguay game at SoFi Stadium, where he gave a surprise performance of his song “Yukon” in a backstage area.

“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can,” Bieber said in a statement. “I’m grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world.”

One song that is sure to be featured during the set is this year’s World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai,” by Shakira and Burna Boy. The two acts already performed the song during the tournament’s opening ceremony in Mexico City.

Speaking of hit collaborations, Madonna recently charted with “Bring Your Love,” a duet with Sabrina Carpenter. Not to start any rumors, but surely they can squeeze one more pop superstar onto that stage, right?

MODEL Hailey Bieber gives her business a bit of a helping sand.

The 29-year-old, wed to singer Justin, posed on a beach in an ad campaign for her own skincare and make-up brand Rhode.

It was recently named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential companies.

And she told the mag she is hungry for more.

Hailey said: “I’m an entrepreneur at the end of the day.

“I want to expand in business and I want to be able to do more things.

“But I’m definitely not in a rush.”

Last year the brand was valued at a billion dollars.

Hailey launched it in 2022 and last year it turned over £150million in sales.

She recently posed in a chic yellow bikini for another fashion shoot and she was also pictured out in New York in a white mini dress for the Met Gala after-party.

Just last November the model posed up a storm for GQ magazine in another set of sizzling swimwear snaps.

Justin and Hailey have been married since 2018, with the pair welcoming their son Jack Blues in 2024.

HAILEY Bieber has critics floored as she fronts Victoria’s Secret Summer It Girl Dressing campaign.

Sprawling herself on the carpet, the model and businesswoman, 29, shows off her trim frame in a black strapless two piece.

Looking effortlessly chic, Hailey, who is married to superstar Justin Bieber, added a matching leather coat and heels.

Hailey is currently focusing on her ever-popular beauty brand Rhode – launching a summer skin collection last month.

Last year the brand was valued at a billion dollars.

Hailey launched the brand in 2022 and last year it turned over £150million in sales.

She recently posed in a chic yellow bikini for another fashion shoot.

And she was also pictured out in New York in a white mini dress for the Met Gala after-party.

Just last November the model posed up a storm for GQ magazine in another set of sizzling swimwear snaps.

Justin and Hailey have been married since 2018, with the pair welcoming their son Jack Blues in 2024.

MODEL Hailey Bieber takes it kneesy in a fashion shoot. 

The 29-year-old posed in a bright bikini from Italian swimwear brand Calzedonia. 

Hailey, wife of singer Justin, 32, is their latest global ambassador.  

It comes after she sold her beauty brand Rhode for $1billion. 

The wife of troubled pop superstar Justin Bieber put aside the pain of her allegedly rocky marriage by finalizing a $1 billion sale of the beauty line to e.l.f. Beauty.

The “beyond her wildest dreams” acquisition is split into $600 million in cash, $200 million in e.l.f. Beauty stock, and an additional $200 million contingent on the brand’s growth over the next three years.

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Rhode’s meteoric rise, fueled by New York native Bieber’s star power and sought-after products like lip glosses and exclusive phone accessories, led to the powerhouse partnership.

According to two sources close to Hailey, the 28-year-old was bawling her eyes out when the deal was struck, with friends and family flooding her phone with over 900 congratulatory messages.

One insider claims the stress of closing the astonishing takeover had taken its toll. The entire process had become “very stressful.”

“Despite everything going on with Justin, she remained focused and poured her energy into her company,” the source claimed. “When everything was finalized, she couldn’t stop crying and screaming with joy. I haven’t seen her like this since the birth of her son.”

The close confidant added that Hailey was “on her knees for 10 minutes, repeatedly saying, ‘Oh my god!’ and ‘This is so crazy!’”

In the new collaboration, Bieber will expand her role beyond being Rhode’s founder.

She’s set to take on the titles of chief creative officer and head of innovation, while also serving as a strategic advisor to the newly combined companies.

HAILEY Bieber left little to the imagination as she stripped down totally naked for a sizzling new fashion shoot.

The model, 29, sent pulses racing after putting on a risqué display in the sultry pics, wearing nothing except a pair of $990 mesh shoes.

In one racy snap for the French boutique ALAIA, Hailey can be seen showing off a pair of their premium mesh ballet flats in black. 

The mom-of-one and wife of singer Justin was shot in an editorial pose which showed her with her legs crossed and knees covering her modesty. 

Hailey stunned with a natural no makeup look and slicked her hair into a ponytail, which highlighted her fresh-faced glow.

The model is snapped seductively gazing into the camera, including one pic which featured her lying on the floor in a pink bandage top and skirt.

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In another photo the billionaire businesswoman dons a striking blue coat with a high slit, seemingly wearing nothing underneath, which showed off the side of her bottom.

Hailey shared the same sentiment in another shot, which featured her bending over in a high-neck bodysuit complete with nothing but pink tights, heels and fringe tassels at the thigh area.

The star also posed on a glass chair in a floral and white body suit, in a striking series of dynamic positions.

Hailey uploaded the shots to her Instagram page, where she was met with a barrage of comments from fans and her celeb pals. 

Kar-Jenner and bestie Kylie simply penned: “omg,” and DWTS host Julianne Hough wrote: “Magic (fire emoji).”

Fellow models Ashley Graham and Candice Swanepoel commented a flurry of heart eye and star emojis. 

Hailey is continuing to make her mark in the fashion and beauty world, with the sizzling shoot coming after she featured on the cover of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential Companies edition.

The publication singled her out as one of the business world’s leaders for her work with her cosmetics company Rhode.

Hailey launched the brand in 2022 and last year it turned over £150million in sales.

The mum of one said of her business: “We focus on creating a world that fits into your lifestyle.”

And speaking of living in the spotlight, she said: “There’s a lot of judgment… every single thing is looked at and picked apart.

“I need to live my life and continue to move forward regardless.”

Just weeks after Justin Bieber’s well-received Coachella headline gig, the singer played a small private event for tech, entertainment and defense industry moguls. Executives at controversial firms, such as surveillance tech giant Palantir, were also on the bill.

Bieber was a headliner at WNDR, entertainment executive Jeffrey Katzenberg’s invitation-only confab at the Rosewood Miramar in Montecito last week. The programming for the event was first reported by Puck.

The ultra A-list talks and guests included director James Cameron and former Disney CEO Bob Iger, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Oprah Winfrey and Julia Roberts, comedians Chris Rock and Trevor Noah and artist Jeff Koons on a panel discussion with LACMA chief Michael Govan.

Bieber, meanwhile, performed a Wednesday poolside set for attendees at the Rosewood. The “Swag” singer reportedly became the highest-paid headliner in Coachella history last month, and its most lucrative merch seller.

Representatives for Bieber did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

While there was lighter programming (like a karaoke party with pop producers StarGate and a talk about snacks with chef Nancy Silverton), the bill included talks and cameos from major weapons and surveillance technology firms noted for their support for — or deep engagement with — the Trump administration.

One panel featured Anduril Industries’ Palmer Luckey, who recently welcomed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to its Southern California headquarters. “We are rebuilding the Arsenal of Freedom,” Hegseth said after the Anduril visit.

Palantir Chief Executive Alex Karp led another talk. Palantir’s AI-driven defense and surveillance software has faced scrutiny around how tech like its Maven Smart System may have been used to target civilians in the Iran war.

Karp also published a recent book, “The Technological Republic,” where he wrote that “We must resist the shallow temptation of a vacant and hollow pluralism. We, in America and more broadly the West, have for the past half century resisted defining national cultures in the name of inclusivity. But inclusion into what?”

Katzenberg’s WNDR conference is one of several recent multi-discipline, ultra-elite gatherings hosted by CEOs, including Jeff Bezos and Eric Schmidt. Katzenberg founded his investment firm WndrCo in 2017.