A shirt worn by BTS member Jimin during the group’s performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show has sold for $110,000 (£83,000 approx.), making it the most expensive artist-worn item at a charity auction benefiting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
The online auction, organised by Christie’s, closed on Wednesday 29 July 2026 after attracting bidders from 24 countries. Collectively, memorabilia worn by BTS during their World Cup performance generated $300,300, accounting for almost half of the auction’s total proceeds.
Jimin’s World Cup shirt tops Christie’s auction
Jimin’s Agro Studio shirt, worn during BTS’ performance of “Dynamite” at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, matched the auction’s highest-selling lot, alongside the official match ball from the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with both selling for $110,000.
Christie’s had initially estimated each BTS item would sell for between $1,000 and $5,000, making the final results a significant surprise.
Every BTS item exceeded expectations
All seven BTS members saw their World Cup memorabilia attract strong bidding:
- Jimin’s Agro Studio shirt: $110,000
- V’s scarf: $46,200
- Jungkook’s jacket: $46,200
- Suga’s trousers: $33,000
- J-Hope’s gloves: $28,600
- RM’s boots: $19,800
- Jin’s belt: $16,500
Together, the seven items raised $300,300, representing around 46% of the auction’s overall total of $652,630.
Other World Cup memorabilia also attracted major bids
Several other pieces of memorabilia from the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show also sold for substantial amounts.
An Argentina shirt signed by Lionel Messi and gifted to Shakira fetched $66,000, while Madonna’s fingerless gloves from the opening performance sold for $41,800.
A pair of Skylrk trainers worn by Justin Bieber during his acoustic performance of “Everything Hallelujah” realised $26,400.
Every dollar raised through the auction will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which helps expand access to education for children worldwide.
BTS continue to dominate headlines after Grammy decision
The auction results arrive just days after BTS confirmed they will not submit their latest music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards.
The group’s seven members, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, shared the same statement across their social media accounts.
“We have decided not to enter the Grammys this year.
I hope that music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.
Thank you to Army and everyone who is always with us.”
The decision followed the Recording Academy’s introduction of Best Asian Pop Music Performance, a new Grammy category requiring entries to feature the “meaningful use” of an Asian language. Because BTS’ recent US No. 1 single “Swim” is predominantly performed in English, it would not have qualified for the category.
Recording Academy responds to BTS’ decision
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr responded after debate around the new category intensified online.
“I am saddened to hear that BTS has chosen not to participate in the Grammy Awards process this year, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision.
I do want to clarify something that seems to be getting lost in the conversation. The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia… It’s never to divide, but to expand.”
