As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off, K-pop heavyweights are flooding the tournament with star power — from on-site cheer squads and official anthems to viral ads and blockbuster stages.
First up, aespa members Karina and Winter are joining the tournament as part of a cheering squad. On June 10, they flew to Mexico via Incheon International Airport to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America, turning heads as they departed. Karina and Winter plan to cheer on Team Korea in person at the Group A opener against the Czech Republic at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico.
Boy group TWS performs the Korea national football team’s official cheer song, 'Dream With Us.' The track surges with pounding band sounds, a dynamic melody, and explosive beats, pairing them with lyrics that promise a brighter tomorrow. 'Dream With Us' will ring out throughout the tournament at events wishing victory for the Korean national team.
TWS shared, "We’ve loved soccer since we were kids, so it’s exciting and an honor to sing the official cheer song as ambassadors for the Korea Football Association. We hope the positive energy TWS carries reaches the players and the public through this song and gives everyone a big boost."
Global phenomenon BTS is also joining the World Cup buzz. V grabs attention in a Coca-Cola ad showing him cheering on the matches. Viewers reacted, saying, "V and Coca-Cola for the World Cup is perfection," "Finally, a Coca-Cola World Cup Korea version," and "All set to cheer."
On top of that, BTS as a full group is slated to take the final’s halftime stage. They will perform at the halftime show for the championship match on July 19 at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium in the New York metro area. As the first-ever halftime show for a World Cup final, BTS has been named a co-headliner alongside global pop icon Madonna and renowned band Coldplay.
Meanwhile, BLACKPINK’s Lisa is set to open the World Cup. She will appear as a performer in the opening ceremony, sharing the stage with Katy Perry and Marilina Bogado during the United States–Paraguay match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
For viewers in Korea, the Group A opener between South Korea and the Czech Republic kicks off today (the 12th) at 11 a.m. KST and will air on JTBC, KBS, and CHZZK.