Shakira & Burna Boy Set to Ignite 2026 FIFA World Cup Halftime Show!
History will be made at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final with the first-ever halftime show featuring Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy and Latin pop icon Shakira. Joined by the Ghetto Kids, they will perform their chart-topping anthem "Dai Dai," which also supports global education initiatives. The star-studded event will precede the highly anticipated final match between Argentina and Spain.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final is set to make history with its first-ever halftime show, featuring an electrifying performance by Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy and Latin pop icon Shakira. The much-anticipated event, taking place at MetLife Stadium (officially branded as New York New Jersey Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, promises to be a spectacular interlude to the clash between Argentina and Spain.
Ahead of their groundbreaking performance, both artists have been sharing glimpses of their preparations on Instagram, building immense excitement. Rehearsals have involved Burna Boy, holding a black microphone, and Shakira, singing into a pink microphone, surrounded by dancing children in yellow shirts. A particularly memorable behind-the-scenes moment captured Burna Boy lifting Shakira off the ground in a celebratory hug after discussing their hit single “Dai Dai” reaching number one. The celebrated Ghetto Kids of Uganda, a renowned dance group, have also been integral to the preparations, rehearsing alongside the global musicians for the halftime spectacle.
The centerpiece of their performance is “Dai Dai,” the official 2026 FIFA World Cup song, released on May 15, 2026, through Sony Music Latin and Ace Entertainment. The track, whose title is Italian for “come on, come on,” masterfully blends Afrobeats and Latin rhythms, creating a sound tailor-made for a global celebration. It quickly soared to the No. 1 spot on Spotify’s Global chart, becoming one of the tournament’s biggest songs. Beyond its musical success, “Dai Dai” holds significant philanthropic value as the official anthem of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, dedicated to raising $100 million to provide children worldwide with access to quality education and football opportunities. This song also marks Shakira’s fourth official FIFA World Cup song, an unprecedented achievement making her the artist with the most official World Cup songs in history.
Historically, no FIFA World Cup game or final since its establishment in 1930 has featured a halftime show. Under the Laws of the Game set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the half-time interval must not exceed 15 minutes. However, this year’s final will see this prescribed time extended to accommodate the 11-minute long performances, a landmark decision in football history. The halftime show will not only feature Shakira and Burna Boy but also a star-studded lineup including Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus. All performers are generously donating their time, foregoing fees, to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
As for the football, the final pits defending world champions Argentina, led by the iconic Lionel Messi, against Spain, powered by the brilliance of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. This spectacular clash of generations will unfold at MetLife Stadium, which boasts a massive 82,500 seating capacity. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm WAT (3pm ET) on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Fans can catch the live broadcast on Fox and Telemundo in the United States, BBC iPlayer and ITVX in the United Kingdom, and SuperSport on DStv in Nigeria. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has also introduced new adjustments, such as hydration breaks during halves, sparking discussions about player welfare versus commercial interests.