With just days remaining until the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, excitement surrounding the tournament’s first-ever halftime show continues to build. But one announcement has divided the BTS fandom after organizers confirmed the group will perform “Permission to Dance” during the historic event.
Global Citizen, the organization producing the halftime show, officially revealed the song by sharing an individual image of BTS alongside the message:
“We’re officially inviting you to dance along to Permission to Dance on July 19. When BTS takes the stage during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final halftime show, they’ll create a meaningful moment that reaches far beyond the football pitch.”
The organization also emphasized that the performance will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to expand access to quality education for children around the world.
The announcement immediately triggered intense discussion across social media.
Some fans questioned whether “Permission to Dance” is the right choice for a World Cup Final, arguing that its upbeat, feel-good atmosphere may not match the energy of football’s biggest stage. Many suggested songs such as “IDOL,” “MIC Drop,” or other high-intensity performances that feature more explosive choreography and stadium-style production. Others also expressed disappointment that the group selected a song released in 2021 rather than showcasing newer material following BTS’ full-group reunion.
However, many supporters believe the selection makes perfect sense when considering the halftime show’s broader purpose.
Unlike a traditional concert, the performance is closely tied to Global Citizen’s fundraising campaign for education. Fans defending the choice say “Permission to Dance” carries a message of hope, inclusion, and resilience that aligns naturally with the event’s charitable mission. They also point out that the choreography famously incorporates sign language representing “joy,” “dance,” and “peace,” reinforcing the performance’s message of unity.
Released on July 9, 2021, “Permission to Dance” was co-written by Ed Sheeran, Steve Mac, Johnny McDaid, and Jenna Andrews. The English-language single marked a brighter musical direction for BTS, encouraging listeners to find happiness and continue moving forward even during difficult times.
Commercially, the song became another global success for the group. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming BTS’ fifth chart-topper in the United States. The music video attracted more than 72 million views in its first 24 hours, while the track reached No. 1 on iTunes in 92 countries and territories. Over the years, it has remained one of BTS’ most recognizable English-language hits, with the official music video surpassing 700 million YouTube views.
The song also holds symbolic importance in BTS’ career. Their performance of “Permission to Dance” at the United Nations became one of the group’s most celebrated international appearances, reinforcing themes of hope, peace, and global connection—the same values organizers say they hope to highlight during the World Cup halftime show.
FIFA has also explained why BTS was selected for the inaugural halftime performance. In addition to the group’s chart achievements, record-breaking career, and worldwide fanbase, organizers cited BTS’ longstanding work with organizations such as the United Nations and UNICEF, saying the group’s ability to connect audiences across cultures, languages, and generations makes them an ideal fit for the event’s message of unity.
The historic halftime show will take place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. Lasting approximately 11 minutes, it will mark the first halftime show ever staged during a FIFA World Cup Final, making it one of the most anticipated entertainment events of the tournament.
