"Lying on BTS name": BTS fans clash with critics after FIFA president Gianni Infantino praises group ahead of World Cup halftime show

FIFA’s first-ever World Cup Final Halftime Show is already poised to be one of the most talked-about entertainment moments of 2026, and BTS fans are ensuring everyone knows their excitement – loud and clear. Social media was flooded with emotional reactions, celebratory posts, and scathing clapbacks aimed at critics who once doubted the group’s global pull after FIFA president Gianni Infantino publicly lauded BTS alongside Madonna and Shakira.The conversation gained momentum after Pop Core shared Infantino’s statement: “Madonna, Shakira, and BTS are global icons whose music transcends borders and generations, and we are proud to welcome them to the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay.” Within hours, ARMY flooded X with reactions ranging from proud celebration to direct responses against online criticism surrounding the group’s FIFA involvement.Many fans treated the announcement like a victory lap after years of debate about BTS and HYBE’s international influence. One viral comment read, “Oh hybe didn’t bought it Kpoopies y’all will be heal by fire from hating and get a life.” Another fan celebrated BTS’ continued dominance by writing, “BTS will keep making history and people will continue hating forever.”Several posts also focused on the larger impact BTS fans could bring to the event beyond music. One ARMY account highlighted charitable efforts tied to the tournament, posting, “Great! 👍 We’re not just watching a great show with legends .Armys 💜 are also helping raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund to support education and football for children around the world.”Others used the moment to mock critics who had previously questioned BTS’ inclusion.“Kpopies did you see that???😂😂😂 Still crying??? Karma slapped back🤭🔥,” one user wrote, while another added, “Bts karma is so real bro 😭😭.”The announcement also reignited conversations about BTS member Jungkook and his historic 2022 FIFA World Cup performance in Qatar. One fan attempted to correct online narratives by posting, “Reports of 2026 FIFA World Cup need corrected.""Jungkook made history as First Asian artist to perform FIFA World Cup ceremony with “Dreamers" in Qatar, 2022 BTS being reported as first Asian Artist for 2026 FIFA World Cup. Only First is FIFA Halftime.”Meanwhile, another user summed up the overall mood surrounding the collaboration by calling it “camp, iconic and legendary all at once 🌐.”With Madonna, Shakira, and BTS sharing the same global stage, FIFA may have created exactly what it wanted: a halftime spectacle that reaches generations, cultures, and fanbases all at once.