BTS and Elmo break the internet with FIFA World Cup announcement video

Elmo surprises fans with a BTS video call during FIFA World Cup halftime show announcement on social media

A beloved red monster just proved he has the best contacts in show business.

Elmo, the iconic Sesame Street character, took to social media with an adorable post revealing that he has BTS on speed dial.

Elmo has posted a photo of him video calling BTS:

“Of course, Elmo has @BTS_twt on speed dial! Elmo is so excited to see them soon! ❤️” pic.twitter.com/Hr0B6Zm8Tj

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) May 14, 2026

The heartwarming moment came as part of a larger announcement that the K-pop superstars will headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show alongside Madonna and Shakira.

The announcement was made through a playful Instagram video featuring Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who was tasked with curating the historic halftime show for the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. In the video, Martin turns to Elmo for help reaching the biggest names in music.

 

 

 

 

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"Elmo has BTS on speed dial," the character confirmed before placing a video call to RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. The members appeared on screen wearing the same outfits they wore during their recent visit to Mexico City's National Palace, confirming the call took place during their ongoing ARIRANG world tour.

The members enthusiastically accepted the invitation, with the video showing them agreeing to perform at the July 19 event. The performance is expected to run approximately 11 minutes, marking a historic first for FIFA.

Social media erupted following the announcement, with BTS fans known as ARMY flooding platforms with excitement. One fan wrote, "ARMYs ARE NOT SURVIVING THIS ONE," while another predicted, "THE VIEWS GONNA SET RECORD CUZ OF BTS."

we really live in a world where elmo casually facetimes bts 😭 pic.twitter.com/xpQRnhoKKC

— chesca⁷ (@jikoorette) May 14, 2026

Elmo and Chris Martin videocalled BTS when they were with the President of Mexico! What timeline is this??1? https://t.co/ts3jIPpY7M pic.twitter.com/vzK4yTvHe4

— christa⁷ 💜 아리랑 (@ryuminating) May 14, 2026

first in my bloodline to see elmo and chris martin on facetime with bts pic.twitter.com/6AlI9kvuLr

— loj (@JlMlNNNN) May 14, 2026

Proceeds from the show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million (£80 million) for children's education and football access worldwide.