BTS to Co-Headline First-Ever World Cup Final Halftime Show

The group BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) will take the stage for the World Cup final halftime show, a feature being introduced for the first time in FIFA history.

According to an announcement from Global Citizen and FIFA on the 14th (local time), BTS has been selected as a co-headliner for the halftime show of the final of the '2026 FIFA World Cup in North America', to be held on July 19, 2026, at New York/New Jersey Stadium in the United States. The performance is drawing attention from football and music fans around the world as the first-ever halftime show attempted at a World Cup final.

BTS will share the stage with pop legends Madonna and Shakira. The overall curation of the halftime show, which will be broadcast live worldwide, will be led by Chris Martin of the British band Coldplay, signaling an exceptionally high-quality production.

Through their agency BigHit Music, BTS said, "We are deeply honored to stand on a stage that brings the world together," adding, "Music is a universal language that delivers hope and unity." They added that they aim to spread a positive influence, saying, "It is deeply meaningful to share a message with global viewers and to help expand educational opportunities for children."