BTS Makes History as First Halftime Act at FIFA World Cup Final

BTS became the first act ever to headline the halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final. The K-pop group performed on July 20 at 4 a.m. KST at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, taking the stage during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between the tournament's two finalists.

The halftime show marked a first for the World Cup in its 96-year history. BTS shared the headliner slate with Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber.

In front of the stadium crowd, the group performed its hit "Dynamite." The members rewrote parts of the original lyrics to fit the occasion, working in soccer references such as "kick the ball" and "a game of football."

Through their agency Big Hit Music, BTS said it was an honor to stand on the first-ever final halftime show. "The World Cup is a tournament we've enjoyed watching since we were kids, so it's an honor to stand on the first final halftime show," the group said. "We're happy to perform for a good cause alongside amazing artists and children, shouting love together. It felt like a dream. We think we made it to this stage thanks to the influence of ARMY around the world. Thank you to everyone who watched."

Two days earlier, BTS wrapped its European tour at Stade de France in Paris on July 18. The run took the group to five cities, including Madrid, Brussels, London, Munich and Paris, for a total of 10 shows. Attendance reached about 717,000. The group heads into its North American tour on August 1 and 2 at MetLife Stadium in New York.