BTS and Lisa set for 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup stages as final gets first half-time show

K-pop heavyweights BTS and BLACKPINK's Lisa will take to the main stages of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, drawing the eyes of football fans around the world.

The 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup will be the first ever jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. To underline the significance of the tripartite hosting, the opening ceremonies will be staged in sequence across the three host countries, with global pop stars taking part in spectacular shows.

The first opening ceremony will take place at 2.30am on the 12th (all times Korea Standard Time unless otherwise stated) at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca. Shakira, beloved for the official 2010 South Africa World Cup anthem, and Afrobeat star Burna Boy will debut the tournament's official song, "Dai Dai (Dai Dai)". Then, at 2.30am on the 13th at Toronto Stadium in Canada, pop-jazz musician Michael Bublé and Alessia Cara will headline the second opening ceremony.

The most eagerly anticipated third opening ceremony will be staged at 8.30am on the 13th at the Los Angeles Stadium. US pop star Katy Perry and hip-hop star Future will join BLACKPINK's Lisa on the bill. Lisa is the second K-pop artist to perform at a World Cup opening ceremony, following Jeon Jung-kook of BTS, who appeared at the 2022 Qatar World Cup opening.

At the much-anticipated final at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, the World Cup will introduce a half-time show for the first time in the tournament's history. BTS have been confirmed as co-headliners alongside pop legends Madonna and Shakira, in what is billed as a landmark World Cup performance. In particular, the half-time show is being curated overall by Coldplay's Chris Martin, heightening anticipation among music fans.