According to Punch Sports Extra, Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy performed alongside global superstar Shakira at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey during the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The dynamic duo captivated millions of viewers worldwide with a high-energy delivery of the tournament’s official anthem, “Dai, Dai,” supported by Uganda’s famous Ghetto Kids dance troupe. The 27-minute musical spectacle was curated by Chris Martin and also featured guest appearances by Justin Bieber and pop icon Madonna.
Validating the major milestone, *BellaNaija* posted on Instagram highlighting the performance, noting that “Burna Boy, Shakira, and the Ghetto Kids lit up the stage with unforgettable choreography and Afrobeats energy” during the historic halftime event. Further confirming the broadcast, *People Magazine* covered the entertainment lineup, stating that “Justin Bieber accessorized his acoustic 2026 FIFA World Cup Final halftime show look with $20K diamond earrings”.
Echotitbits take:
This moment represents another massive triumph for the global Afrobeats movement, cementing Nigerian artists as mainstay acts for the world’s highest-profile sporting broadcasts. While FIFA’s extended halftime break drew mixed responses from traditional football purists, the successful execution guarantees that entertainment-heavy halftime shows will become a permanent fixture in international soccer tournaments moving forward.
Source: Punch Sports Extra — https://punchng.com/burna-boy-shines-in-first-ever-world-cup-halftime-show/, July 20, 2026
Photo Credit: Vanguard
