Burna Boy and Shakira arriving for the big performance in the 2026 World Cup final Photo credit: Shakira/Instagram
• Also, Uganda Ghetto boys
Story Compiled by Kingsley Abavo (Managing Editor), Benin
Nigeria nay, Africa Burna Boy and global musical icon Shakira are indeed set to perform together at the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup Final halftime show on Sunday, July 19.
The duo will take the stage to perform their hit collaboration “Dai Dai” reports says.
This ‘A’ rated monumental performance will make Burna Boy the first African artist to ever perform at a World Cup halftime show.
Click video below for the duos performance in opening hours of the 2026 world cup
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The historic event will also feature Shakira debuting dancers from her viral “Dai Dai Challenge”, BellaNaija reports.
According to Wikipedia, since its establishment in 1930, no FIFA World Cup game or final has ever had a halftime show.
Under the Laws of the Game set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which FIFA follows, players are entitled to a half-time interval that must not exceed 15 minutes.
The rule emphasises that “Competition rules must state the duration of the half-time interval and it may be altered only with the referee’s permission.”
However, this year, for the first time in its history, the FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain would have a half-time show, which would mean that the 15-minute prescribed time would be extended to accommodate the performances.
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is being hosted at MetLife Stadium (officially branded as New York New Jersey Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, with a massive 82,500 seats.
Media reports say the halftime show, will feature Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber and Burna Boy.
Shakira and Burna Boy had already performed at the opening ceremonies of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will again return for the final halftime show, following the success of their record-breaking official 2026 World Cup song, Dai Dai.
Like the opening ceremony, the Ugandan Ghetto Kids will feature in Shakira and Burna Boy’s performance.
Shakira was said to have officially invited the Ghetto Kids to be in the official video of the song at the opening ceremony performance, and will again feature in the halftime show
Shakira and Burna Boy linking up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show. Photo credit: Shakira/Instagram
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has also seen new innovations like the introduction of hydration breaks at the first and second halves.
While FIFA’s intention is said to allow players stay hydrated and keep fit, critics have argued that the hydration breaks were introduced to accommodate more ads.
Shakira was said to have announced the preparation for her halftime performance with Burna Boy and the Ghetto Kids on her Instagram, sharing BTS clips and Burna Boy dancing with the Ghetto Kids.
She wrote, “Getting ready for Sunday! @burnaboygram See you at the @fifaworldcup Final! Dai dai, ikó, dale, allez, let’s go!”
Shakira and Burna Boy linking up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show. Photo credit: Shakira/Instagram
The Song Dai Dai
Released on 15 May 2026, Dai Dai, the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, blends Latin pop and Afrobeats, celebrating football, cultural diversity and global unity, while serving as the flagship track of the tournament’s official album.
The song has also made history in several ways. It became Shakira’s fourth official FIFA World Cup song, making her the artist with the most official World Cup songs in history after Hips Don’t Lie (2006), Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (2010), and La La La (Brazil 2014).
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It also marks the first-ever collaboration between Shakira and Burna Boy, bringing Afrobeats and Latin music together on football’s biggest stage.
Dai Dai reached No. 1 on Spotify’s Global chart, becoming one of the biggest songs of the tournament, while proceeds from the track support the FIFA–Global Citizen Education Fund.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final kick off time; the match starts at 3pm local time in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which is 19:00 GMT; and 8:00 PM Nigeria time (WAT).
For a closer look at Burna Boy and Shakira linking up ahead of the big match, click to watch video below
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Meanwhile, Burna Boy has reportedly arrived in New Jersey, USA, ahead of the FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina and Spain.
Shakira and Burna Boy linking up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show. Photo credit: Shakira/Instagram
An Ode to Burna Boy
In honour of Burna Boy, a Nigerian blogger who goes by the title: ‘Gistloverblogofficial’ on Facebook has written this ‘Ode’
From the streets of Port Harcourt to the biggest stages in the world, Burna Boy’s journey is a true testament to hard work, consistency, and believing in your dreams.
He has proudly carried the Nigerian flag across continents, won prestigious international awards, and continues to prove that African music belongs on the world’s biggest stages.
Today, Burna Boy is more than an artist; he is a global ambassador for African culture, inspiring millions and opening doors for the next generation of talents.
Every achievement reminds us that greatness has no limits when passion meets dedication.
Nigeria is proud. Africa is proud. The world is watching!
An aerial view showing MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, venue of the 2026 FIFA epic final [Seth Wenig/AP Photo
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