The group BTS performed on the halftime show stage, which was held for the first time in World Cup final history, and sang "Dynamite" with passion.
BTS appeared as co-headliners at the halftime show for the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF final held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, near New York, on the 19th (local time). This was the first time a halftime performance was staged at a World Cup final, and BTS lit up the stage alongside global artists such as Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber.
After the performance, BTS said through their agency HYBE, "It was an honor to stand on the first halftime show of the World Cup final that we watched and enjoyed since childhood," adding, "It felt like a dream to be part of a performance with such a good cause. We were able to stand on this stage because of the love and influence of ARMYs around the world. We sincerely thank you."
That day BTS chose their global mega-hit "Dynamite" and set the stadium ablaze. In particular, they adapted the original lyrics to include soccer-evoking phrases such as "kick the ball" and "a game of football," further emphasizing the meaning of the World Cup final.
At center stage an "Earth Ball" set depicting the globe was presented, and BTS used it as a backdrop to deliver a message of harmony that transcends borders, cultures and generations, adding significance to the performance. Costumes with details reminiscent of the Red Devils and energetic performances also heated up the atmosphere at the venue.
BTS's activity did not end there. In the finale they returned to the stage to perform "We Dance," the official song Coldplay produced for this World Cup, together with Coldplay. Along with Coldplay, they completed a special collaborative stage that will remain in World Cup history with Shakira, Justin Bieber, Sesame Street, The Muppets and the New York PS22 Chorus.
The halftime show was produced by the international civic organization Global Citizen and also served to promote the purpose of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The fund was established to improve educational environments and expand access to sports for children in underserved regions around the world, and BTS used the performance to convey the message of the global campaign and exert a positive influence.
Meanwhile, BTS recently successfully concluded the European leg of the BTS WORLD TOUR "ARIRANG" at Stade de France in Paris, France. They held a total of 10 shows in five cities—Madrid, Spain; Brussels, Belgium; London, England; Munich, Germany; and Paris, France—drawing approximately 717,000 spectators, and will continue the North American tour at MetLife Stadium in New York on Aug. 1–2.
[Photo] provided by HYBE
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