K-pop artists are once again making history by taking over the stage at the world’s biggest sporting event, the FIFA World Cup.
Like the FIFA World Cup 2026 prepares to begin next month, reports that major K-pop stars will headline both the opening ceremonies and the match’s final halftime show have captured the attention of music fans and soccer audiences around the world.
First, BLACKPINK’s Lisa will open the tournament on June 12 (local time). The imminent World Cuphosted jointly by the United States, Mexico and Canada, it will feature three separate opening ceremonies in the host nations. Lisa has been selected as the main performer for the ceremony to be held at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The singer is expected to perform alongside global stars including Katy Perry, Future and DJ Sanjoy. After Jungkook became the first K-pop artist to perform at a World Cup opening ceremony during Qatar 2022 World CupLisa is expected to become the first female K-pop idol to appear at the opening ceremony of a World Cup hosted outside of South Korea, marking another milestone for female K-pop solo artists.
Meanwhile, the grand finale of the tournament will reportedly belong to BTS. FIFA and international advocacy organization Global Citizen have officially announced that BTS will co-headline the tournament Halftime show of the World Cup finalwhich will take place on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in the United States.
This year’s event will also mark the first time World Cup story that a half-time show is held during the final match. BTS is expected to stand alongside global pop legends such as Madonna and Shakira as part of the historic inaugural performance.
The halftime show was reportedly planned by Coldplay’s Chris Martin. BTS is expected to convey the group’s signature message of unity and hope to billions of viewers around the world.
The meaning of K-pop artists who dominate both World CupThe more symbolic stops outside Korea attracted particular attention. In the past, World Cup American-style opening ceremonies and halftime performances were traditionally dominated by mainstream Western pop stars. Lisa and BTS taking center stage highlights how K-pop has firmly established itself as a truly global mainstream force.
As K-pop stars continue to branch out beyond music to become influential cultural icons shaping global trends, many fans are now watching closely to see how far their global impact will continue to reach.
Sources: Daum
