The first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show lit up New York New Jersey Stadium last night. BTS joined Madonna and Shakira as co-headliners for the historic event, with Coldplay's Chris Martin curating the performance. The night kicked off with a show from Post Malone and IShowSpeed, setting the stage for the main spectacle.
ARMY have had this date circled since May. Global Citizen and FIFA jointly announced the lineup on May 14, sparking months of anticipation. Ahead of the show, the group shared a message through their agency, BigHit Music. They described performing on a stage that brings the world together as a huge privilege. The group added that they believe music is a universal language that conveys hope and harmony.
They noted that sharing this message with a global audience through the World Cup, while helping expand children's access to education, made the opportunity feel even more meaningful. The performance ties directly into the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. This campaign aims to expand access to quality education and sport for children in under-resourced communities, supporting Global Citizen's broader work in poverty reduction, climate action, and global health.
Setlist Speculation and History
With rehearsals confirmed yesterday, fan attention had turned to the setlist. "Dynamite" was said to be the opening song, comfortably ahead of "Fake Love" and early favourite "SWIM". "Butter" remained a possibility but trailed behind in the betting, though all songs have been fixtures on BTS's ongoing Arirang world tour, making them familiar staples for devoted listeners.
This is not the group's first connection with Global Citizen. BTS performed at Global Citizen Live in 2021, and member Jungkook took the stage at the Global Citizen Festival in 2023. Jungkook also holds a specific piece of World Cup history, having recorded "Dreamers," the official soundtrack for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and performing it live at that tournament's opening ceremony.
For fans in the Emirates setting alarms last night, BTS took the stage at around 11.45pm UAE time once the match reached halftime. With the show marking the first time an event of this scale has been staged at football's biggest match, it was a moment years of devotion have been building towards, whatever colour of light stick fans were waving at home.
Frequently asked questions
When did BTS take the stage for the FIFA World Cup Final halftime show?
BTS performed at the halftime show at the New York New Jersey Stadium on the night of the final, stepping onto the stage at about 11:45 pm UAE time.
What cause did BTS highlight during their World Cup halftime performance?
BTS used the platform to promote the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to expand quality education and sport for children in under‑resourced communities.
Which artists shared the halftime stage with BTS at the World Cup final?
BTS co‑headlined the historic show with Madonna and Shakira, while Coldplay’s Chris Martin curated the performance.
What songs were expected to be part of BTS’s setlist for the halftime show?
Rehearsals suggested BTS would open with “Dynamite,” followed by “Fake Love” and “SWIM,” with “Butter” also mentioned as a possible addition.
