Sports Illustrated (SI), in collaboration with Medium Rare and Authentic Live, has announced its "SI Beyond the Pitch" series, a collection of fan events scheduled across the U.S. to celebrate the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. These high-octane nightlife experiences will bring a blend of sports and culture to the World Cup hosting cities of Miami, New York City, Los Angeles, and Dallas, featuring a star-studded lineup of musical artists.

The series will showcase renowned performers, including 50 Cent, Diplo, The Chainsmokers, Nelly, and Gordo. 50 Cent and Diplo are slated to perform during the championship weekend on July 18 at Cipriani Wall Street in NYC. The Chainsmokers will take the stage at DAER in Miami on June 26, while Gordo (formerly Carnage) will deliver a DJ set at SILO in Dallas. Nelly is set to kick off the series with a performance at the Hollywood Palladium on June 12.

Matt Goldstein, EVP of Authentic Live, emphasized SI's established reputation for hosting premier events during major sporting weekends, noting that the guest list consistently features a 'who's who' of sports and culture. Joe Silberzweig, founder and CEO of Medium Rare, highlighted the 2026 FIFA World Cup's significance as the most important sporting event of a generation to hit American soil. He explained that the immense demand reflects the scale of this moment, driving them to create unparalleled nightlife experiences that serve as cultural epicenters in each host city, matching the gravity of the events on the pitch.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, with Mexico playing against South Africa in Mexico City. Team USA will commence its World Cup journey on June 12 in Los Angeles, facing Paraguay. Beyond the fan events, the tournament will also feature an official soundtrack. Shakira has teased a collaboration with Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, titled "Dai Dai," which combines reggaetón and Afrobeats. This track is set to be released on May 14 and will serve as the official anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.