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ARMY, hold onto your hearts. BTS is officially heading to the FIFA World Cup Final — and they're making history once again. FIFA and Global Citizen confirmed this week that the global K-pop superstars will headline the first-ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup Final, joining Madonna and Shakira on stage at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026.
This won't be BTS's first FIFA milestone. Back in 2022, Jungkook stunned the world when he performed his single "Dreamers" at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar — becoming the first Korean artist ever to grace the event. Now, four years later, the full septet returns, this time at the tournament's grandest moment: the Final itself.
The choice cements BTS's status not just as a K-pop phenomenon, but as one of the defining acts of this entire generation — a group whose influence the global music industry can no longer afford to ignore.
The announcement lands right in the middle of BTS's massive comeback campaign. After completing their mandatory military service, the seven members reunited for their sixth studio album ARIRANG, released March 20, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and held the top spot for three consecutive weeks — their first multi-week chart-topper in the US.
Their ongoing ARIRANG World Tour spans over 70 stadium shows across multiple continents, running through March 2027. The FIFA halftime slot now becomes the centerpiece of what's already shaping up to be the biggest year of their career.
Curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen with Live Nation and Done + Dusted, the 11-minute set will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, raising money for children's education worldwide. Martin announced the lineup in a charming video featuring Sesame Street characters, the Muppets — and a cameo from BTS themselves.
The countdown begins. July 19. MetLife. BTS. The whole world watching.
English (US) · 