BTS Claims Role in England's World Cup Victory During London Concert on July 7, 2026

BTS, the global K-pop sensation, playfully took credit for England's thrilling 3-2 World Cup victory over Mexico during their first UK show in seven years at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 7, 2026. Band leader RM humorously stated, "Congrats on the win last night. We always bring the luck to every place we play."

BTS's Long-Awaited Return to the UK

The concert marked BTS's first performance in the UK since 2019, when they made history as the first South Korean act to headline Wembley Stadium. The group expressed their gratitude to fans for their patience after a long hiatus caused by the pandemic and military service, with RM saying, "There was Covid, there was military, and now we’re here in 2026 together."

During the show, Suga reflected on their bond with fans, stating, "I’m still feeling the emotion I felt seven or eight years ago. I don’t think you guys have changed. You’re still in a passionate country." Meanwhile, J-Hope noted the honor of performing in the same venue associated with South Korean football captain Son Heung-min.

Record-Breaking Attendance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

BTS attracted a record-breaking crowd of 65,000 fans at the concert, making it the largest concert at the venue. Attendees waved light sticks and held up signs, showcasing their enthusiasm for the band. One sign read, "I ran a half marathon listening to BTS," while another proclaimed, "Namjoon for Prime Minister," with RM's image overlaid on a British flag.

Jin, one of the group's members, reciprocated the love by holding up a sign that stated, "BTS loves ARMY," referring to their dedicated fanbase. The concert featured an innovative 360-degree stage, enhancing the visual experience for fans.

Celebrating Their Roots with the Arirang Tour

As part of their Arirang tour, BTS highlighted themes from their new album, which draws inspiration from traditional Korean culture. The show opened with the toll of a sacred bell and incorporated elements from Gyeongbokgung Palace. The album, already a critical success, features the catchy single Swim, which has topped charts in 26 countries.

During the concert, BTS performed a medley including the energetic tracks FYA and Fire, igniting the crowd's excitement. The band also connected with the audience more personally, reducing their focus on choreography. Jungkook even took a piggyback ride from Jin during the performance of Butter.

With the Arirang tour set to span 88 dates across 23 countries, BTS's comeback is anticipated to rival other major tours, including Taylor Swift's Eras tour.