K-pop stars take center stage at World Cup opening ceremonies
EJAE, the singer-songwriter best known for "KPop Demon Hunters" (2025), and Blackpink's Lisa performed at the opening ceremonies in Mexico and the United States, respectively. BTS is set to appear at the World Cup's first halftime show in history in July.
Lisa of Blackpink performs during the opening ceremony ahead of the Group D 2026 FIFA World Cup football match between the United States and Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 12.AFP/YONHAP
K-pop stars are taking center stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, performing for the opening ceremonies of the global sports event.
EJAE, the singer-songwriter of the hit track "Golden" (2025) from Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" (2025), performed "DNA," the official anthem of this year's World Cup, during the opening ceremony in Mexico City on Thursday. The anthem — which EJAE helped write — features Korean lyrics.
Singer EJAE performs before the match between Mexico and South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11.REUTERS/YONHAP
The Korean American singer shared the stage with Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli.
"Being a part of the official FIFA World Cup anthem means so much to me," EJAE said in a statement released by FIFA ahead of the performance.
"It's especially meaningful because I was able to write Korean lyrics in the song. Representing […] Korea on this stage is such an honor."
"DNA" also features French DJ David Guetta and American rapper Megan Thee Stallion, but the two were not present at the show.
Blackpink's Lisa performed at another opening stage at SoFi Stadium in California on Friday.
From left: Nigerian rapper Rema, Blackpink's Lisa and Brazilian singer Anitta perform during the opening ceremony before the match at Los Angeles Stadium in California on June 12.REUTERS/YONHAP
The Thai singer-rapper, along with Brazilian singer Anitta and Nigerian rapper Rema, performed "Goals," which was written for the World Cup.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is co-hosted by three countries — the United States, Mexico and Canada — each with its respective opening ceremony.
Megaband BTS will perform during the final game at the first halftime show in World Cup history at the New York New Jersey Stadium — temporarily renamed from the MetLife Stadium — in New Jersey on July 19.
The band will share the stage with Madonna and Shakira, with the show curated by Chris Martin of the British rock band Coldplay.
Stuck at work or school when Korea kick off? We've got you covered. The Korea JoongAng Daily is live-blogging every Korea match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, around the clock. Don't miss a moment.
BY JIN EUN-SOO [jin.eunsoo@joongang.co.kr]
BTS performs during its "Arirang" world tour concert in Goyang, Gyeonggi, in April.BIGHIT MUSIC
