Amid their worldwide stadium tour, BTS is set to make history as co-headliners of the first-ever FIFA World Cup Halftime Show. The performance is scheduled for July 19 and the New Jersey Stadium, and will also feature global superstars Madonna and Shakira, curated by Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin. With the halftime show also doubling as a fundraiser, it seems BTS’s worldwide presence and reputation for giving back played a huge part in the group’s inclusion.

In FIFA’s announcement, the association stated that the show “will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise USD 100 million to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. More than USD 30 million has already been raised, with momentum continuing to build as USD 1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches will be donated to support social projects all over the world.” It’s not just a concert — it’s a chance to combine football, music, and social impact into something greater. 

"Madonna, Shakira and BTS are global icons whose music transcends borders and generations,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "As the world comes together for the biggest match in football, [...] this historic show will also shine a light on a greater purpose by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our shared mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. It will be a celebration of football, unity and shared humanity that will resonate far beyond the final whistle.” 

Given BTS’s philanthropic track record over the years — and of course, their global impact — it makes sense why the septet would be one of the faces of this new initiative. “Music is the universal language of hope and harmony, and we’re honored to celebrate that power at the World Cup by connecting with millions of viewers around the world in support of children’s education,” BTS said in a press statement. With the group having recently dropped their latest album, ARIRANG, and touring again for the first time in four years, this year is a chance for BTS to pick up where they left out, but bolder and bigger than ever.

It’s also a huge milestone even by the group’s standards. While they have previously collaborated with Coldplay on 2021’s “My Universe,” being paired with two of the most influential stars in music is a whole new level. Madonna has reigned as “Queen of Pop” since the ‘80s, while Shakira is referred to as “Queen of Latin Pop,” becoming a prominent figure in bridging the gap between Latin America and the rest of the world. In that regard, BTS has done exactly the same for K-pop, bringing in a whole new audience and generation to learn and admire Korean culture on a global scale. While both female artists have decades more experience compared to BTS, it’s a testament, nonetheless, to how far the boy group has come in only 13 years.

But it’s not just BTS who will be there representing K-pop — BLACKPINK’s Lisa will also perform during the World Cup’s opening ceremony. Considering everything both BTS and BLACKPINK have done for K-culture, it will be a triumphant moment to see representation from both sides of the spectrum. Either way, all eyes will be on FIFA this July for both explosive performances and to support a good cause.