Justin Bieber didn't use his brief moment in the world's biggest spotlight for one of his pop hits - he used it to worship.
The superstar performed a stripped-down, acoustic version of "Everything Hallelujah" during his slot in the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show on Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium. "Ted Lasso" actors Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, appearing in character, introduced Bieber to the field before BTS followed with their own performance. Bieber shared the 11-minute halftime set with co-headliners Madonna, Shakira and BTS, part of a show FIFA expected roughly a couple billion people to watch.
"Everything Hallelujah" is no ordinary deep cut. Released in September 2025 off Bieber's album Swag II, the gospel-soul track layers his voice into a "pseudo-choir" over gently picked acoustic guitar and synths, with lyrics that name what he's grateful for, each one followed by "hallelujah." The song debuted at No. 6 on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart and reached No. 1 on Christian Streaming Songs earlier this year - Bieber's first time ever charting there. WikipediaJubileecast
Choosing that song, rather than a mainstream single, for a stage watched by billions puts Bieber's faith front and center on one of music's largest platforms. The moment builds on a run of increasingly open worship material from Bieber, including his 2025 track "Forgiveness" featuring gospel legend Marvin Winans.
The halftime show also supported the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, raising money for children's education worldwide through ticket sales from the tournament.
Related Article: Justin Bieber Gets Just 1 Minute to Shine at FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show with Madonna, Shakira and BTS
