BLACKPINK Lisa’s “World Cup” Performance Hit With Backlash 

BLACKPINK‘s Lisa recently took the stage at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but not everyone was impressed.

On June 12, Lisa performed at the U.S. opening ceremony held at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. She joined Brazilian singer Anitta and Nigerian artist Rema to perform “Goals,” a song from the tournament’s official album.

Lisa opened the performance in a white outfit and delivered live vocals while performing alongside dozens of dancers across the stadium field.

LISA OPENING CEREMONY pic.twitter.com/iCRywEaWGw

— blackpink loops (@bIackpinkloops) June 12, 2026

The appearance was especially notable as it marked the first time a member of a K-Pop girl group had performed live at a World Cup opening ceremony.

Singer-songwriter EJAE also performed the official World Cup theme song “DNA” alongside world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli at a separate opening ceremony event in Mexico City. The performance included Korean lyrics written with EJAE’s participation, which drew a lot of attention.

🎶⚽ EJAE and Andrea Bocelli perform “DNA” live at the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony in Mexico. 🇲🇽🏆✨ pic.twitter.com/Y7G2hQqtlC

— PoP & ArT (@yournamebi) June 11, 2026

While many fans celebrated Lisa’s appearance on one of the biggest stages in sports, the performance was met with scathing reactions from Korean netizens.

• “What exactly do they mean by saying she ‘tore up’ the stage? Did she tear up the carpet or something? Andrea Bocelli and EJAE’s performance of ‘DNA’ was the best.”
• “Come on, both EJAE and Lisa did well. Do people really have to compare them and put one down every chance they get?”
• “I don’t think Lisa is famous enough to be on a World Cup stage by herself. How did she end up performing there? She doesn’t even have any hit songs.”
• “Southeast Asia, out.”
• “Please avoid using the phrase ‘tore it up.’ Otherwise, those people will come flooding in. ㅠㅠ”

Meanwhile, Lisa continues her solo activities following the end of her individual contract with YG Entertainment, while BLACKPINK’s group promotions remain under the company.

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