K-pop supergroup BTS performed at the first-ever halftime show in FIFA World Cup final history on Sunday, sharing the stage with Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber at the New York New Jersey Stadium — formally known as MetLife Stadium — in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The seven-member group appeared as the second act of the 27-minute show, the longest halftime in World Cup history, as Spain faced Argentina in the 2026 final.
Jungkook opened BTS's segment with the group's global hit "Dynamite," before the remaining six members — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin and V — joined him on the field for a full-group performance that drew loud cheers from the crowd. Suga wore a jersey bearing the emblem of the Red Devils, the official South Korean national football team supporters' group, while Jimin and J-Hope wore outfits featuring the number seven. In a statement ahead of the show, BTS said they were "honoured" to participate, adding that music is "a universal language that conveys hope and unity." Jungkook had previously performed at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar, but Sunday marked the first time all seven members performed together at a World Cup final.
The halftime show was produced by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in partnership with Global Citizen, an international education and advocacy organisation, with the stated aim of blending sport, music and culture for a worldwide audience. Madonna opened the show with her hit "Music," emerging through tunnels beneath the arena alongside roller-skating dancers and Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian musician Burna Boy also reunited on stage, having previously performed together at the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City.
The length of the show drew some controversy, as rules set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) stipulate a maximum 15-minute halftime stoppage. Former England footballer Wayne Rooney, part of the BBC commentary team, offered a blunt verdict: "I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was crap." Others were more enthusiastic. American YouTube streamer IShowSpeed — real name Darren Jason Watkins Jr — encountered all seven BTS members backstage during extra time, greeting each with hugs and performing one of his trademark backflips to the group's delight. RM told him: "I love watching your videos, bro."
BTS's appearance comes as the group returns from a three-year hiatus during which members completed mandatory military service in South Korea. They are currently on their Arirang world tour, which recently concluded two sold-out shows at France's national stadium in Paris, drawing 92,000 fans and including French President Emmanuel Macron among the audience. The North American leg of the tour follows, with further dates in Asia later in the year.