The opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was expected to be a dazzling global spectacle, but images of BLACKPINK’s Lisa performing in front of partially full stands unexpectedly sparked a heated debate online. With some estimates stating that only around 40% of the seats appeared filled during her performance, critics quickly questioned the idol’s star power, with some even suggesting that she had been “snubbed” from the public.
Social media immediately erupted with divided reactions. Some users openly mocked Lisa’s appearance, supporting it his influence may not be as powerful as expected and he says performing in front of empty seats represented an embarrassing moment in his otherwise successful career.
However, fans in the stadium and football analysts were quick to defend the singer, highlighting key context that many online discussions have overlooked. In reality, the opening ceremony took place about two hours before kick-off. At that point, many fans were still arriving at the venue, going through security, or simply hadn’t taken their seats yet.
For football fans, the main attraction is the match itself rather than the pre-match entertainment. As proof, many observers noted that when the match between the United States and Paraguay was about to begin, the stadium was nearly full. Considering the unique timing and structure of a major soccer tournament, label Lisa as such “ignored” they may overlook the broader context.
Ultimately, football remains the centerpiece of the World Cup, while musical performances serve as a celebratory addition. Criticism directed at Lisa for the partially empty stands has also sparked conversations about whether online audiences are overly harsh towards artists who perform on globally symbolic stages such as the World Cup.
Despite the viral discussion about empty seats, Lisa maintained her professionalism during the show. The BLACKPINK member made history as the first female K-pop artist and first Thai artist to perform at the World Cup opening ceremony. Performing Goals, one of the tournament’s official promotional songs, Lisa joined Anitta and Rema for an energetic stage full of powerful choreography and commanding visuals.
Dressed in a stunning stage outfit, Lisa displayed her signature confidence and refined stage presence. His sharp dance moves, charisma and star quality captured attention, while videos of the performance quickly amassed a huge number of viewers online. Shortly after the ceremony ended, Lisa’s name jumped to trending search lists in multiple countries, cementing her status as one of the world’s most talked-about entertainers.
Born Lalisa Manobal in 1997 in Thailand, Lisa rose to international fame as a member of BLACKPINK, one of the most successful K-pop girl groups in history. Since her debut in 2016, she has gained global recognition for her dance skills, stage presence and unparalleled popularity on social media, where she remains one of the most followed K-pop artists.
In addition to her group activities, Lisa has built a highly successful solo career with numerous internationally recognized releases. She is also a regular presence at luxury fashion events and brand campaigns, cementing her reputation as one of Asia’s most influential pop culture icons.
Whether it’s music, fashion or headline-grabbing public appearances, Lisa consistently dominates online conversations. And once again, its presence at the World Cup demonstrated how powerful its global influence still is.
Sources: K14
