NEWS
BTS fans may have another reason to look forward to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after j-hope appeared to hint that the group could be working on a new song for the tournament ahead of their co-headlining halftime performance at the championship match.
During a Weverse livestream on Wednesday (July 8), the BTS member responded to a question from a fan asking whether the group was preparing a song for FIFA. Reading the comment aloud, j-hope asked, “Is BTS releasing any song for FIFA?” before pausing with a playful grin.
“Hmmm,” he replied, smiling in a way that immediately caught fans’ attention without revealing anything further.
His reaction quickly sparked speculation online. One fan wrote on X, “OH THT LIL SMILE HE HIDING SOMETHING,” after watching a clip from the livestream. Another added, “That face of his I know they are cooking something I just can’t prove it.”
Billboard has contacted the group’s label and representatives for comment.
The livestream took place on the same day FIFA confirmed that Justin Bieber would join BTS, Madonna and Shakira as a co headliner for the FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, which will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It will be the first World Cup Final to feature a halftime show of this size, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin serving as curator for the lineup.
The halftime performances will also support FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative dedicated to improving access to education and soccer opportunities for children around the world.
“The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can,” Bieber said in a statement. “I’m grateful to be part of this halftime show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world.”
Although j-hope chose not to reveal any additional details about the rumored song, which would potentially join a 2026 FIFA soundtrack featuring original music from Jelly Roll, 21 Savage, Latto, The Rolling Stones, Burna Boy and others, he made it clear that he is excited for the upcoming performance. “Yeah, can’t wait!” he said.
“The World Cup is really fun these days,” he continued, explaining that fellow BTS member SUGA has been keeping everyone updated on the tournament scores before the group goes on stage. “He had to tell us, ‘Egypt is beating Argentina with a score of 2-0! Hey, we turned the tables!’ It’s making me crazy.”
As the tournament heads toward its final match, j-hope also shared which team he is supporting. “Of course, I cheered for the Korean players so much. Personally, this time, Team Norway.”
BTS will perform in New Jersey as part of their ARIRANG World Tour, which is in support of their Billboard 200 chart topping album ARIRANG. After appearing at the FIFA World Cup Final, the group will return to MetLife Stadium for two more concerts on Aug. 1 and 2.
Miley Cyrus has joined a new record label following her departure from Sony Music’s Columbia Records.
The 33 year old singer and songwriter has agreed to a fresh deal with Atlantic Records, the company officially announced.
The label shared the news on its official Instagram account, writing: "Welcome to the family @mileycyrus [white heart emoji]"
Miley joins an impressive Atlantic Records roster that includes Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, Charli XCX, Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Rosé, PinkPantheress, and Lizzo.
The Hannah Montana star launched her recording career at Disney’s Hollywood Records, where she released three albums, before putting out another four records through RCA.
She later signed with Columbia Records in 2021.
Celebrating the agreement at the time, Miley uploaded a photo of herself holding the contract and wrote on her Instagram Story: "WHEN IM NOT RUNNING GAME. IM RUNNING MY MF BUSINESS. LET’S RIDE. (sic)"
During her time with the company, Miley released two albums, Endless Summer Vacation and Something Beautiful.
Only a few days before Something Beautiful arrived on May 30th, 2025, Miley revealed that her next project would take a much more "extremely experimental" direction.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, she offered fans a preview of her future plans during an event at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Hollywood.
Speaking to the intimate audience, she said: "My next album is about to be extremely experimental, so have fun with that.
"Something Beautiful is just the appetizer."
Following the release of the title track Something Beautiful, Miley suggested the project represented "another bold artistic evolution" in her musical journey.
A message posted to her Instagram account stated: "Miley’s second song and video release ‘Something Beautiful’, the title track off of the forthcoming album explores her deep connection to fashion showcasing an original custom design by Casey Cadwallader for the House of Mugler in the visual.
"This era marks another bold artistic evolution for Miley, blending music and film into an immersive experience."
Miley had earlier revealed that Pink Floyd’s The Wall helped shape the inspiration behind the album.
Speaking with Harper's Bazaar, she explained: "My idea was making The Wall, but with a better wardrobe and more glamorous and filled with pop culture.
"It’s a concept album that’s an attempt to medicate somewhat of a sick culture through music.
"I would like to be a human psychedelic for people. I don’t want anyone trying to be like me or imitate me or even be inspired by me. I want to impact frequencies in your body that make you vibrate at a different level."
