BTS were spotted rehearsing at MetLife Stadium today, gearing up for their slot at the first‑ever official FIFA World Cup Final halftime show.
Shakira, one of the co‑headliners, posted a preview from the rehearsal, showing the dancers who joined her through the "Dai Dai Challenge" will share the stage at the final.
Star‑studded line‑up and show details
Fans can expect a packed roster: BTS headline alongside Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber. Nigerian singer Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and Staten Island’s PS22 Chorus, performing with Coldplay, round out the line‑up. The whole show is curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who also oversaw last year’s Club World Cup final performance.
Sesame Street characters and the Muppets will also feature, adding a playful touch to the 11‑minute set that organisers have stretched beyond the usual 15‑minute halftime limit.
What the setlist might look like
Rumour mills point to "Dynamite" as the opening track, with "Fake Love" and early favourite "SWIM" likely to follow. "Butter" has lagged behind in betting round‑ups, while both songs remain staples on BTS’s current Arirang world tour, often appearing in the encore alongside "Into the Sun".
J‑Hope was seen teasing unreleased material, sparking speculation that new music could debut, though that remains unconfirmed.
"Rehearsals are underway for the first‑ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime show!"
— Hugh Evans, Founder and CEO, Global Citizen
The halftime performance will precede the championship match between Spain and Argentina, in front of a stadium crowd of more than 80,000 and a television audience expected to run into the billions.
Kickoff is at 11 pm UAE time, with the halftime show slated to start around 11.50 pm UAE time. A closing ceremony honoring the tournament’s 48 participating nations begins earlier at 9.30 pm UAE time, featuring Post Malone, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and a scheduled appearance from Tom Cruise.
Frequently asked questions
What songs are expected in the BTS halftime show?
The setlist is rumored to open with Dynamite followed by Fake Love and SWIM, with staples like Butter and Into the Sun likely to appear.
When does the BTS halftime show start during the World Cup final?
The halftime show will begin around 11.50 pm UAE time, following the kickoff at 11 pm UAE time.
Who else is performing with BTS at the halftime show?
Alongside BTS, the lineup includes Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, PS22 Chorus, Coldplay, and even Sesame Street characters and the Muppets.
Where did BTS rehearse for the World Cup halftime show?
BTS rehearsed at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey ahead of the World Cup final.
