K-pop helps open 2026 World Cup across North America

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off with K-pop at its core, blending global music trends into the tournament’s opening ceremonies across North America. The event, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, featured performances at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, showcasing diverse genres including K-pop, Latin music, and hip-hop. At the Mexico opening, Korean-American artist EJAE performed the official World Cup anthem, *DNA*, alongside Andrea Bocelli, incorporating Korean lyrics during her set. The anthem also includes contributions from David Guetta and Megan Thee Stallion, with EJAE’s lyrics translating to ‘Even if I fall again, I rise again,’ reflecting resilience—a theme tied to her work on the *KPop Demon Hunters* soundtrack. In the U.S., BLACKPINK member Lisa joined a star-studded lineup at SoFi Stadium, performing alongside Katy Perry, Anitta, and Rema. Her appearance underscored K-pop’s growing presence in major global events, with her single *Goals*—released May 21—further cementing the genre’s fusion of Latin, Afrobeats, and K-pop influences. The tournament’s official music program extends beyond openings, with BTS scheduled to co-headline the final halftime show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Sharing the stage with Madonna and Shakira, the group will deliver the first-ever World Cup final halftime performance, modeled after the Super Bowl’s entertainment spectacle. From EJAE’s anthem debut to Lisa’s U.S. stage presence and BTS’s final appearance, K-pop has become a defining feature of the 2026 World Cup. Organizers highlight its role in shaping the tournament’s cultural identity, positioning the genre as a mainstream force in international entertainment beyond its Korean origins.