Jung Ho-yeon and BTS Shine at World Cup Closing Ceremony

The 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, which captivated audiences this summer, concluded on the 20th with another triumphant display of 'K-Culture.'

On July 20th (KST), the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey hosted the thrilling finale of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. The match, drawing global attention rivaling that of a Zayn Malik concert, saw Spain's 'La Furia Roja' face off against the defending champions, Argentina. Kicking off at 4 AM KST, the nail-biting game extended into extra time, with Spain ultimately clinching a 1-0 victory over Argentina to claim the coveted trophy. This triumph marks Spain's second World Cup championship in 16 years.

K-Culture luminaries took center stage during the final match festivities. Actress Jung Ho-yeon made a grand entrance alongside Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz, carrying the Louis Vuitton trunk housing the World Cup trophy. The French luxury powerhouse has been crafting these bespoke trunks since the 2010 South Africa World Cup, with Jung serving as their global ambassador.

Jung Ho-yeon stunned in a pink gown featuring a plunging neckline, paired with an elegant updo. Her sophisticated yet trendy ensemble, coupled with her radiant smile, captivated football fans worldwide. Following her breakout role in Netflix's "Squid Game," Jung recently starred in the critically acclaimed film "Hope," which competed in the prestigious main category at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.

The halftime show featured a showstopping performance by global phenomenon BTS. Clad in red outfits reminiscent of the South Korean national soccer team, the septet, accompanied by a troupe of dancers, delivered an electrifying spectacle. Their rendition of the mega-hit "Dynamite" included a clever lyric swap from "kick the drum" to "kick the ball," showcasing their wit while solidifying K-pop's dominance on the world stage.

This performance follows BTS's youngest member Jungkook's solo appearance at the 2022 Qatar World Cup opening ceremony, where he performed the theme song "Dreamers." The group's full lineup appearance this time reaffirmed their unwavering global popularity. Post-performance, BTS shared through their label Big Hit Music: "The World Cup has been a cherished event since our childhood, and we're honored to headline the first-ever final halftime show. Participating in this love-filled performance alongside talented artists and children feels surreal. We owe our success to our incredible ARMY fandom worldwide. We're deeply grateful for everyone's support."