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BTS Dominates World Cup Final Halftime Show, Igniting Global Excitement
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Sports

BTS Dominates World Cup Final Halftime Show, Igniting Global Excitement

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Global music group BTS performed at the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
  • The halftime show, a first for the World Cup, was curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin and aimed to promote children's education and messages of love and unity.
  • While the performance was met with enthusiastic cheers, the halftime show concept itself drew mixed reactions, with some criticizing it for potentially overshadowing the sport.

Global music sensation BTS electrified the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, a spectacle held between Spain and Argentina. The group performed their hit song "Dynamite" for an audience that included numerous celebrities.

The audience in the venue responded with enthusiastic cheers that could not have been more delighted.

โ€” New York TimesDescribing the crowd's reaction to BTS's performance during the World Cup final halftime show.

This year's World Cup final marked a historic first with the introduction of a halftime show, a large-scale project initiated by FIFA to emulate the cultural success of the Super Bowl halftime show. Coldplay vocalist Chris Martin oversaw the artist selection and creative direction, aiming to infuse the event with messages of love, unity, and the importance of children's futures.

The performance saw BTS, clad in striking red outfits, take center stage with energetic choreography and powerful live vocals. Their appearance ignited roaring cheers from the stadium crowd, with the New York Times noting the audience's ecstatic response. Other international artists, including Madonna, Brazilian football legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo, Justin Bieber, and Shakira, also featured in the show.

Americans are turning the World Cup into the Super Bowl.

โ€” Unnamed criticExpressing concern about the commercialization of the World Cup with the introduction of a halftime show.

However, the innovation was not without its critics. Some voiced concerns that the halftime show was turning the World Cup into a "Super Bowl" and might affect the players' performance in the second half. Former England player Wayne Rooney also offered critical commentary. Despite these reservations, the New York Times highlighted the show's underlying message of positivity and unity, curated by Chris Martin, making it difficult for most to object.

The halftime show, curated by Chris Martin, who is called an 'icon of positivity,' put messages of love, unity, and 'children are the future' at the forefront. It was a performance that contained messages that no one could easily object to.

โ€” New York TimesAnalyzing the underlying themes and reception of the halftime show.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.