Justin Bieber is reportedly in discussions to perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show, joining previously confirmed acts Madonna, Shakira, and BTS. The historic event is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking the first-ever halftime show at a World Cup final.
Potential Lineup and Performances
Sources indicate that the "Beauty and a Beat" singer could be the latest addition to an already star-studded lineup. Madonna and Shakira have been confirmed for the epic showcase, alongside K-pop sensation BTS. The three host nations—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—are still competing for a spot in the final, which could provide a perfect ending for the tournament.
Bieber and his wife, Hailey Bieber, attended the opening ceremony in California, where they surprised guests with an intimate performance. However, the World Cup final would offer a much larger stage. This year's tournament kicked off with grand festivities across the three host countries, featuring major celebrity performances from Katy Perry, Future, and Shakira, with the final already highly anticipated.
Recent Performances and Controversy
For Bieber, a World Cup final performance would cap a busy summer. Although he reportedly has no plans for a tour despite new music and speculation, the World Cup final is thought to be an opportunity he couldn't turn down. His recent Coachella set in April generated significant buzz and divided opinions. Some praised it as "genius" for playing YouTube clips on stage, while others called it "lazy."
Swedish singer Zara Larsson criticized the performance on TikTok, sharing a video of herself watching and commenting: "It's giving let's smoke and watch YouTube." She added a caption reading: "He’s in my dream blunt rotation." Bieber reportedly earned around $10 million (£7.4 million) for his Coachella appearance, but many fans felt shortchanged.
Coachella Performance Details
During his Coachella set, Bieber performed a handful of low-key songs while perched on a stool, scrolling through YouTube videos of his songs on a laptop. He asked fans to "help me with the songs tonight" by commenting on his livestream, and streamed earlier music as part of a brief 12-song medley. Fans expressed frustration on social media, with one X user fuming: "Not Justin Bieber scammed Coachella out of $10 million to play songs off of YouTube."
Despite the mixed reactions, a World Cup final appearance would mark a major milestone for Bieber, potentially reaching a global audience of billions. The final's halftime show is expected to be a spectacle, with the world eagerly awaiting both the match and the performances.
