BTS is set to take the stage for the first-ever halftime show in FIFA World Cup Final history. After previously expressing their desire to create a Super Bowl-style stage in their own way, global fans are buzzing as the group prepares to stand at the center of one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
On the 14th (local time), Global Citizen and FIFA announced that BTS will appear as co-headliners for the halftime show of the ‘2026 FIFA North Central America World Cup™’ final, taking place on July 19 at New Jersey Stadium in New York, USA.
This marks the first time a halftime show will be held during a FIFA World Cup Final. BTS will share the spotlight as co-headliners alongside pop icons Madonna and Shakira.
Through their agency Big Hit Music, BTS shared, “It is a great honor to stand on such a meaningful stage where the whole world comes together.” They added, “We believe music is a universal language that conveys hope and harmony. It is even more meaningful to share that message with global viewers through this World Cup and contribute to expanding educational opportunities for children.”
Fans are especially excited because BTS mentioned their dreams of a Super Bowl halftime show in a Rolling Stone interview just a month ago.
In the interview released last April, j-hope called the Super Bowl halftime show “a dream stage for any artist,” while Jin expressed his anticipation, saying, “I often imagine what kind of stage we could put on.” RM emphasized, “I want to create a stage in our own way someday,” adding that he would love the opportunity as global perceptions change and Korean culture gains worldwide attention, similar to the success of ‘Parasite’.
Jungkook already has a deep connection with the World Cup. He sang ‘Dreamers,’ the official soundtrack for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and became the first Asian solo artist to perform at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. His live performance video from that event has now surpassed 200 million views.
It was also reported that Jungkook had the possibility of performing at a Super Bowl halftime show with American pop star Usher before his military enlistment, but the plan reportedly fell through due to his enlistment schedule, leaving fans disappointed.
This World Cup halftime show is curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and produced by the international organization Global Citizen. The performance is part of the ‘FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund’ campaign, carrying a message to expand education and sports accessibility for children worldwide.
BTS recently released their 6th full-length album ‘ARIRANG’ and are currently on their ‘BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG”. They will perform at Stanford Stadium in the US on the 17th, 18th, and 20th. As the first Korean artists to hold a solo concert at this venue, they are expected to set yet another record.
