BTS attracted major attention both on and off the stage after performing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show.
Following the historic performance on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, photos and videos of Jin, Suga, J Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook meeting international celebrities quickly spread across social media.
One of the most talked about clips featured popular American streamer IShowSpeed, who has more than 30 million YouTube subscribers.
After spotting BTS, IShowSpeed shouted, “Oh my God,” before jumping in excitement, greeting the members with a hug, and even performing a backflip.
Fans reacted enthusiastically to the unexpected meeting, with many expressing disbelief at seeing the streamer together with BTS.
Another video showed V, also known as Kim Taehyung, warmly welcoming Justin Bieber after the singer completed his performance. The two were seen having a friendly conversation backstage.
The World Cup final also attracted many famous guests, including David and Victoria Beckham, Tom Cruise, Beyoncé and Jay Z, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, and Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner.
Photos connecting BTS with some of the celebrities also gained attention online. One fan commented, “Taehyung with Beckham and Tom Cruise? What kind of combination is this?”
Jungkook received additional attention after appearing at the center of the stage while holding the official World Cup ball. Fans also noted that he had now performed at World Cup events in both 2022 and 2026.
Meanwhile, fans shared emotional messages about Jimin, recalling that he grew up watching the 2002 Korea Japan World Cup as a young football fan.
One fan wrote, “The little fan from back then stood on the World Cup final stage himself more than 20 years later.”
BTS’s official social media account later shared photos from the event with the caption, “260719 FIFA World Cup 2026.”
The halftime show, which also featured Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and other global artists, marked the first performance of its kind held during a FIFA World Cup final.
