BTS Ignites 'Dynamite' at 2026 World Cup Final Watched by the World

The group BTS has completed a historic performance at the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, marking a moment that will go down in World Cup history.

BTS performed at the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, which took place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, on July 19 (local time). This was the first time a halftime show has been held at a World Cup final.

After the performance, BTS shared their thoughts through their agency, Big Hit Music: "The World Cup is a tournament we have enjoyed watching since we were young, so it is an honor to stand on the stage for the first-ever halftime show of the final." They added, "We are happy to have performed for such a good cause, spreading love alongside wonderful artists and children, and it felt like a dream." They continued, "We believe we were able to reach this stage thanks to the influence of ARMY around the world. We are truly grateful to everyone who watched."

On this day, BTS performed their hit song "Dynamite," which topped the US Billboard main singles chart, the Hot 100. In particular, they added significance to the final by modifying some of the original lyrics to include football-themed phrases such as "kick the ball" and "a game of football."

The members delivered a message of harmony and solidarity that transcends borders and cultures while performing on an "Earth Ball" shaped like the planet, which was set up in the center of the stadium.

In the latter part of the performance, BTS returned to the stage to join Coldplay, Shakira, Justin Bieber, Sesame Street, the Muppets, and the PS22 Chorus from a public school in Staten Island, New York, to perform "We Dance," a song Coldplay worked on for this World Cup, marking the finale.


This halftime show was produced by the international advocacy organization Global Citizen and was organized to promote the purpose of the "FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund." The fund was established to expand educational opportunities and sports accessibility for children in marginalized regions around the world.

Meanwhile, BTS concluded their "BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'" European tour at the Stade de France in Paris, France, on July 18. They held a total of 10 performances across 5 cities—Madrid, Spain; Brussels, Belgium; London, UK; Munich, Germany; and Paris, France—attracting approximately 717,000 spectators. They will continue their North American tour at MetLife Stadium in New York, USA, on August 1 – 2.



(Reported by Kang Gyeong-yun | SBS Entertainment News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.