The FIFA World Cup final this year will see Argentina face ѕραιи at 4:00 a.m. on the 20th (KST) at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States. As the final chapter of the world's biggest sporting event, the match is attracting enormous attention from the public.
The final has become even more highly anticipated as the FIFA World Cup will hold its first-ever Halftime Show in its 96-year history. The 11-minute Super Bowl-style performance will feature Madonna, Shakira, and BTS as co-headliners. BTS, in particular, have become the center of attention as they are the first K-pop act to perform at a FIFA World Cup final, while also enjoying explosive global popularity following their full-group reunion and their mαѕѕively successful ongoing world tour.
As the big moment draws closer, fans are becoming increasingly curious about what kind of performance BTS will bring to this historic stage. Many have predicted that the group will debut a brand-new song, while others have mentioned some of the нιт tracks that defined their career. Interestingly, on the 16th, a post from Global Citizen appeared to reveal the K-pop superstars' performance in advance.
Specifically, in a post about BTS on its official account, Global Citizen wrote: "We officially give you 'Permission to Dance' with us on July 19." They also described: "When BTS takes the stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Halftime Show on July 19, they'll be part of a moment that reaches far beyond the pitch. The historic performance supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, helping expand access to quality education for children around the world."
The post quickly led many to believe that Permission to Dance would be the song BTS will perform at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Halftime Show. However, rather than receiving unanimous support, the speculation sparked a wave of mixed reactions across social media.
Some netizens expressed disappointment, arguing that Permission to Dance does not fit the intense atmosphere of a FIFA World Cup final. In their view, a stage at the world's most-watched sporting event calls for a more powerful, explosive, and energetic song rather than a track with a more "peaceful" vibe like Permission to Dance.
Others argued that the song, which was released in 2021, is no longer fresh enough for such an iconic stage as the World Cup. They hoped BTS would take advantage of this rare promotional opportunity to introduce a brand-new нιт or perform one of the tracks from their newly released album ARIRANG.
Some harsh comments read: "Out of all their songs, they're gonna make them sing the absolute worst song in their discography?", "If it really is PTD, it's gonna be a completely wasted promotional opportunity for Arirang," and "You're telling me they have the chance to be at the most-watched sporting event in the world, and they choose 'Permission to Dance'—an English song?"
Nevertheless, the backlash was quickly met with counterarguments from other fans. Many argued that Permission to Dance is actually the most fitting choice for the event, especially considering that this year's performance supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to expand access to quality education for children around the world.
Fans also emphasized that Permission to Dance carries a message of hope, unity, and overcoming barriers, making it perfectly aligned with the humanitarian spirit the event seeks to promote. They further pointed out that the choreography incorporates sign language gestures for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, making the performance even more inclusive and meaningful on a global stage.
Meanwhile, many ARMYs argued that the public had jumped to conclusions too quickly. According to them, the phrase "We officially give you 'Permission to Dance' with us on July 19" could simply be a play on the title of BTS's нιт song to promote the event, rather than an official confirmation of the group's setlist. Some fans also criticized those attacking the song, arguing that Permission to Dance has always been one of the most uplifting and meaningful tracks in BTS's discography.
Comments expressing support for Permission to Dance potentially appearing on the FIFA World Cup Halftime Show stage were just as widespread:
- A song that include sign language, always bring joy and love. And the focus isn't BTS, and it isn't football , it's the children and the cause they're supporting. That's exactly why "Permission to Dance" makes the most sense
- I hate that some Armys are so deranged shameless haters of PTD when it's such a masterpiece..go and fck yourselves seriously nobody wants ungrateful weirdos like you in this fandom
- Whether its wordplay or not if PTD was to be performed it would be a vibe on Sunday, i said what i said!
- BTS performing an uplifting song like 'Permission to Dance' at a children fundraiser event makes so much sense, BTS used international sign language gestures for words like "joy," "dance," and "peace" to spread happiness is a language understood by all
- If PTD is the song they’re performing, it makes total sense since it’s a benefit show for an education fund. And to those who claim to hate this song: it doesn’t make you better than anyone else, you guys are completely мιѕѕιиg the point
- Ohhhh if they perform PTD that would be so beautiful and make so much sense with chris martin’s history with the song too
- I will block everyone who is hating on PTD!!!! And can be a word play who knows…. Either way if it was in fact PTD its gonna slay
- I love this song choice! It is such a happy song! It’s also has choreo that includes sign language and it was performed on the U.N. floor. Plus its for a childrens charity - kids loved it.
- It’s for a fundraiser, it’s OBVIOUS that the focus is on the children in need. It's not a solo performance just for them. Understand that PTD fits perfectly there. The people in the comments are being so annoying
