BTS bring Dynamite energy to World Cup final halftime show
Developed over time first seen 2 months ago
BTS headlined a segment of the halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, performing their 2020 hit "Dynamite" on Sunday 19 July at New York New Jersey Stadium (the rebranded MetLife Stadium). The show, produced by Global Citizen and curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, brought together multiple headline acts for what organisers billed as the most-watched halftime show in history, and doubled as a fundraiser for children's education worldwide.
BTS followed Madonna and preceded Justin Bieber and Shakira, who closed with her World Cup anthem "Dai Dai" featuring Burna Boy, before all four acts reunited for the finale "We Dance", a song written specially by Coldplay. That closing number featured the New York Philharmonic, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, New York's PS22 Chorus and the Muppets, alongside surprise appearances from footballers Ronaldo and Ronaldinho and "Ted Lasso" stars Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt. Global Citizen confirmed the associated FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund has passed $60 million raised, while BTS resume their ARIRANG World Tour at the same stadium on 1 and 2 August.
- BTS performed "Dynamite" at the 2026 World Cup final halftime show
- Show also featured Madonna, Bieber, Shakira and a Coldplay-led finale
- Linked education fund has raised over $60 million
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Two teams reached the 2026 World Cup final in the United States, and the event was marked with a big halftime show separate from the football itself. Halftime shows at major finals have become large-scale entertainment productions in their own right, often featuring several well-known musical acts rather than a single performer, and this year's edition was arranged by the campaigning organisation Global Citizen, with Coldplay's Chris Martin helping to put the line-up together.
BTS are a South Korean pop group who became one of the best-selling acts in the world through songs including "Dynamite," and they were one of several headline names on the bill alongside Madonna, Justin Bieber and Shakira. The show also tied in a charitable element, raising money for children's education through a fund linked to FIFA and Global Citizen.
Beyond the football result, the show has drawn attention for bringing together an unusually wide mix of performers and guests from music, sport and television, and for its scale, which organisers presented as a record-breaking television event.
More coverage
- The Hollywood Reporter — BTS Light Up FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show With “Dynamite” Performance
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Originally published by Billboard as “BTS Light Up 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show With Dynamic ‘Dynamite’ Performance”.