Fans Crown BTS as the Most Anticipated Act for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
According to a recent Billboard poll, BTS stands at the forefront of fan expectations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Their upcoming showcase is officially the most highly anticipated performance on the tournament’s expansive roster.
By the time the poll concluded on June 15, fans had cast over 8 million votes for the global superstars. LISA followed in a strong second place, capturing 43% of the total vote with 6.5 million entries, trailing BTS, who secured a commanding 54% lead.
While the K-pop icons undeniably dominated the conversation, the competition featured a stellar array of international talent, including Shakira, Anitta, Katy Perry, and Madonna, all of whom garnered significant support from voters.
The 2026 World Cup festivities officially commenced on July 11, with inaugural matches and performances held simultaneously across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Opening day celebrations included appearances by Katy Perry, LISA, and Future in the U.S.; Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé in Canada; and high-energy sets from Shakira and Burna Boy in Mexico City.
The highlight for BTS enthusiasts is slated for the grand finale on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The group is confirmed to join a historic halftime production—reminiscent of the Super Bowl’s spectacle—alongside legends Madonna and Shakira, all curated under the creative direction of Coldplay’s Chris Martin. Given the overwhelming sentiment reflected in our reader poll, this collaboration is poised to be the centerpiece of FIFA’s 2026 entertainment program.
You can review the complete, finalized results of the fan survey here.
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