FIFA World Cup halftime show performers announced
Global stars will headline the 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show, with several notable performers taking to the stage during the ceremony.
BTS offers more than just tours. K-pop supergroup BT21 characters will be featured in new Happy Meals.
The new BT21 Happy Meal will be available from July 14th at participating McDonald’s locations. Each meal includes 1 of 10 BT21 toys.
BTS, a seven-member South Korean boy band, debuted in 2013. The group created the BT21 character in 2017 with the help of intellectual property manufacturer Line Friends, which also produces characters created with another K-pop boy group ATEEZ and toys and products such as Mighties in collaboration with brands such as Sesame Street.
Each character in BT21 reflects the personality of the performer. For example, BT21’s character Cookie, played by main vocalist Jungkook, is loyal and “always full of heart and infinite stamina,” according to BT21’s website.
McDonald’s told USA TODAY that each Happy Meal box will have a QR code that, when scanned, opens an “interactive digital experience that transports you into the world of BT21’s music.”
McDonald’s and BTS have a history of Happy Meals
This is the third collaboration between McDonald’s and BTS. Back in September 2025, the fast food chain offered TinyTAN Happy Meals featuring miniature characters resembling BTS members. In 2021, McDonald’s offered BTS meals with Korean-style dipping sauces.
The latest of these Happy Meals comes as the band prepares to perform during halftime of the FIFA World Cup Finals at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19th. Madonna, Shakira and Justin Bieber also appear.
What is the BT21 toy that appears in McDonald’s Happy Meals?
Each member of BTS has a separate spaceship with a Happy Meal toy representing a BT21 character (as they explore the galaxy). An eighth character, Van, representing the BTS fanbase or army, is also given a toy. The ninth toy has all the characters on a ship. The 10th toy is a poster with stickers.
According to McDonald’s Menu Spotter, each toy comes with a ring clip, so you can “hook Tata to your purse, attach Chimmy to your keychain, or pop an entire group of Universe Stars into your backpack.”
The names of group members and their corresponding character names are as follows:
- R.M. – Takano
- gin – R.J.
- Sugar – Shocky
- J-hope – carry
- Jimin – Chimmy
- V – Tata
- Jungkook – Cookie
- army (or BTS fanbase) – Van
BT21 toys often sell out, and fans have built a global community, including meetups.
The new Happy Meal toys will follow the release of BTS’ fifth studio album, ARIRANG, in March 2026 and the group’s first tour since the members completed their military service in South Korea. BTS’ tour began on May 2nd in El Paso, Texas, and went on to perform throughout North America and then Europe. The tour returns to the United States starting August 1st.
The group’s March 21 performance in Seoul will be streamed live on Netflix and will be available to watch on demand, as will the feature-length documentary “BTS: The Return.”
Mike Snyder is a national trends news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, and X, and email him at: mike snyder & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.
