On the morning of May 14, news that BTS would perform at the Final of the “2026 FIFA World Cup North αмєяι¢α,” set to take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in the United States, quickly spread across global media outlets and social media platforms. Phrases such as “BTS x FIFA World Cup 2026,” “BTS AT WORLD CUP,” and “BTS PAVED THE WAY” continuously trended in multiple countries within just hours of the official announcement from FIFA and Global Citizen.

Throughout nearly 96 years of World Cup history, the tournament had never featured a halftime show similar to the Super Bowl. But in 2026, FIFA decided to break that tradition for the very first time — and BTS became the first K-pop group ever selected to stand on that historic stage alongside Madonna and Shakira.

In particular, Jungkook also became the center of attention that day because he previously had experience performing on the stage of the 2022 Qatar World Cup with the song Dreamers. That year, Jungkook made history as the first кσяєαn artist to perform at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. He captivated au∂ιєnces with his charisma and incredible vocal talent. Even without much time to practice choreography, he still delivered an emotional and effortlessly world-clαѕѕ performance.

However, behind the scenes of that historic stage, Jungkook had once confessed to feeling extremely anxious before performing on the world’s biggest stage for the first time. Following today’s news about BTS performing at the 2026 World Cup, those old confessions suddenly went viral again, deeply moving fans.

Specifically, in a video documenting Jungkook preparing to record “Dreamers” and rehearsing for the Qatar performance, there was a moment where he admitted how nervous he felt before the opening ceremony. He even called out RM — one of the members who makes him feel the safest. “I’ll be really nervous there. I’ll be really nervous going abroad without the members. I need to rely on Namjoon. I’m completely alone without Namjoon,” he said.

Not only that, but in another moment, Jungkook also revealed that when he first heard the words “World Cup” and “opening song,” he naturally αѕѕumed it would be a project for the whole group. But after realizing he would have to do everything alone, he said he “broke out in cold sweat,” showing that performing that year as a solo artist was far from an easy challenge.

Thankfully, four years after those fears, Jungkook is now returning to the World Cup stage — and this time, he is no longer alone, as he once wished. It feels even more meaningful because this historic performance at the world’s biggest sporting event comes at a time when BTS has just reunited after a three-year hiatus.

What especially moved many people was the fact that Jungkook — despite his outstanding stage talent and years of performance experience — has always emphasized the importance of having his members beside him. His anxiety back then did not come from a lack of ability, because in reality, Jungkook completed the 2022 World Cup stage flawlessly. What he truly wanted was to experience that stage together with the members he loves, and now, that wish has finally come true.

Fans could not hide their emotions as they recalled this story, commenting:

- Jungkook returning to the FIFA World Cup stage again BUT this time with the rest of BTS beside him. From being the first K-pop artist to perform at the World Cup alone to now performing together as BTS… this feels so full circle. The world is about to witness the biggest group on earth on one of the biggest stages again and that’s HISTORY

- Kookie finally bringing his favorite Kookies to the FIFA World Cup this is so HUGE jungkook with his hyungs this time makes it even more special

- Finally Jungkook and all his Kookies are coming this time at the Fifa World Cup!!

- I still remember when jungkook went to qatar to perform at the fifa world cup by himself and how his hyungs supported him from their home, now all of them are coheadlining at the world cup together. we really came a long way

- The way he always thinks about his members first. 2026 is going to be an emotional rollercoaster for all of us

- To think 4 years ago it was the members watching jungkook perform at the World Cup… to them doing it with him this year it’s really a full circle moment

- The fact that Jungkook once felt so scared and lonely at the World Cup, but now gets to return with all 6 members beside him… this honestly emotional 

- Reading his words about needing Namjoon and feeling alone without the members broke my heart all over again. Now he gets to stand on the same stage with his family beside him

- 2022 Jungkook walked onto the World Cup stage carrying pressure all by himself. 2026 Jungkook walks onto it with BTS. I’m actually crying

- The most beautiful thing about BTS is that no matter how huge they become individually, they still see their greatest strength in each other