BLACKPINK's Lisa headlines FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in US
BLACKPINK member Lisa performs during the openingc ceremony before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between the United States and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium, June 12. AFP-Yonhap
Lisa becomes first female K-pop group member to perform at World Cup opening
Lisa of BLACKPINK delivered a spectacular performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Lisa took the stage ahead of the opening match between the United States and Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, June 13, performing "Goals," a track from the tournament's official album. Her stable live vocals and dazzling performance alongside a team of dancers drew the attention of football fans around the world.
BLACKPINK member Lisa, and Nigerian rapper Rema perform during the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup football tournament ahead of the Group D football match between the United States and Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium, June 12. AFP-Yonhap
Following BTS member Jung Kook's appearance at the opening ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Lisa became the first member of a K-pop girl group to perform at a World Cup opening ceremony. At the opening ceremony held June 12 in Mexico City, singer-songwriter EJAE, who gained international recognition through Netflix's animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," also took the stage. She performed "DNA," the official theme song of this year's World Cup, helping kick off the tournament.
Korean-American singer, songwriter and record producer EJAE performs during the opening ceremony ahead of the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, June 11. AFP-Yonhap
Anticipation is also building for the World Cup Final halftime show on July 20, where BTS is scheduled to perform alongside Madonna and Shakira. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which opened on June 12, will run through July 20.
Korea's national team is set to face Mexico, June 19, and South Africa, June 25.
Players of the Korean national football team, including Oh Hyeon-gyu, center, take part in recovery training at Chivas Valle Verde in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, June 12, the day after winning their first group stage match against Czechia in the 2026 North Central American World Cup. Their next match in agasint Mexico, June 19. Yonhap
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.