K-pop stars, including global sensations BTS, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, and singer-songwriter Lee Jae, are set to grace the stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further elevating K-pop’s global status.
On June 12 (Korean time), the opening ceremony for the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup commenced in Mexico City, Mexico. This tournament marks the first time it will be co-hosted by three nations—Mexico, the United States, and Canada—and consequently, will feature three inaugural opening ceremonies.
Korean-American singer-songwriter Lee Jae, who rose to global fame with the Netflix film ‘K-pop Demon Hunters,’ performed at the first opening ceremony. He sang ‘DNA’ alongside renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. The track featured contributions from Lee Jae, Andrea Bocelli, David Guetta, and Megan Thee Stallion, with Lee Jae reportedly writing the Korean lyrics himself.
Lee Jae appeared on stage in a stunning blue halter-neck dress, delivering a powerful live performance. The Korean lyrics, particularly the line ‘Even if I fall again, I will rise again,’ resonated deeply, once again highlighting the profound influence of K-pop.
Beyond Lee Jae, BLACKPINK member Lisa is also scheduled to perform at the opening ceremony held on June 13 (Korean time) at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, USA. Lisa participated in the official World Cup album, releasing her single ‘Goals’ on May 22, featuring Anitta and Rema.
She will share the stage with global artists like Katy Perry and Future. This performance marks her as the first K-pop girl group member to perform live at a World Cup opening ceremony, and the second K-pop artist overall, following BTS’s Jungkook.
For the grand finale, the World Cup final will feature a halftime show for the first time in its history, with BTS confirmed to perform.
BTS is set to headline the halftime show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, alongside pop icons Madonna and Shakira. Following member Jungkook’s stellar performance at the previous Qatar World Cup opening ceremony, the entire group’s appearance on this globally watched iconic stage is generating immense anticipation.
With Korean lyrics echoing across the World Cup stages, a festival for global audiences, and K-pop stars gracing major events like the opening and final ceremonies, K-pop’s global status has truly reached another significant milestone.
