Singer EJAE has captured the attention of football fans around the world after powerfully performing the official theme song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup during the opening ceremony of the tournament. The performance was especially meaningful to Korean viewers, as the song featured Korean-language lyrics that resonated with audiences on one of the world’s largest sporting stages.
The opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place on June 12 at the Estadio Azteca, marking the start of the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, a grand ceremony with a parade of national flags and special performances celebrated the start of the historic competition. Among the most anticipated moments of the event was the live performance of the official theme song of the tournament.
During the celebratory concert segment, EJAE shared the stage with world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Together, they performed the official 2026 FIFA World Cup theme song, DNA. Dressed in a striking blue dress, EJAE impressed the audience with her powerful voice and confident stage presence, earning praise from fans watching both inside the stadium and around the world.
One of the most talked about moments was when EJAE sang part of the song in Korean. The lyrics included: “Even if I fall again, I get up once again. This is more than just a game, it’s our DNA.” His clear pronunciation and emotional delivery attracted significant attention online, with many viewers praising the inclusion of Korean lyrics in such a globally recognized event. The moment became even more symbolic as South Korean flags waved in front of the stage as the singer performed, creating a memorable image for both Korean football and music fans.
EJAE has gained increasing international recognition in recent years, particularly through its involvement with the Netflix KPop animated phenomenon Demon Hunters. The project achieved great success around the world and further raised EJAE’s profile with global audiences.
His appearance at the World Cup opening ceremony represents another significant milestone in his growing international career and highlights the growing influence of Korean artists beyond traditional K-pop.
EJAE’s performance is just one example of Korea’s growing presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, BTS will reportedly participate in the historic first halftime show during the World Cup final. Additionally, Lisa is scheduled to perform at the opening ceremony in the United States, further demonstrating K-pop’s global reach.
By performing the official theme song of the World Cup and introducing Korean lyrics to a global audience, EJAE provided one of the most memorable moments of the ceremony. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins its month-long journey, its performance is a testament to the growing influence of Korean artists on the international stage and the growing integration of Korean culture into major global events.
Sources: Insight
