The 2026 World Cup is preparing to make television history with a first-of-its-kind halftime show lineup for the final match at MetLife Stadium. As the tournament nears its conclusion, the global stage will feature a massive triple-threat performance involving Shakira, Madonna, and BTS. This marks a significant escalation in scale for the event, which previously drew over 500 million live viewers during its last final.
 |
| https://x.com/bts_bighit |
The Opening Ceremony: Lisa Takes the Stage
While the final match is the main attraction on July 19, the tournament officially kicks off with an opening ceremony designed to set a high-energy tone for the month-long competition.
- The Performer: Global superstar Lisa is confirmed to open the festivities, bringing her high-octane performance style to the tournament's debut event.
- The Date: The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 11, 2026, marking the official start of the World Cup.
- The Venue: She will perform at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, a historic location for international football.
The Grand Finale: BTS Closes the Journey
The closing of the World Cup is traditionally a moment of immense global focus, and the 2026 finale is leaning into the massive popularity of K-pop to anchor the celebration.
- The Date: The final match and its accompanying halftime show are set for July 19, 2026.
- The Lineup: BTS will be part of the headline trio alongside Shakira and Madonna, serving as the closing musical act for the tournament.
- The Impact: By featuring BTS as the closing act, organizers are looking to capitalize on a fanbase that consistently drives record-breaking engagement on digital platforms.