Burna Boy and Shakira headline 2026 World Cup final halftime show
Multiple award-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy joined Colombian superstar Shakira and the Ugandan dance troupe Ghetto Kids to deliver a colourful performance during the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The show featured the official tournament anthem 'Dai Dai', which the two artists had first performed during the opening match in June.
Warm moments and vibrant costumes captivate the stadium
Burna Boy and Shakira shared warm moments on stage as they performed together. The Ugandan dance troupe Ghetto Kids wowed the audience with synchronised choreography alongside the two stars. Although Burna Boy opted for a simple outfit, the African Giant stood out amid the vibrant production thanks to his commanding stage presence and towering height. Shakira and the dancers dazzled in bright yellow and pink costumes that created a visually striking contrast throughout the show.
Behind-the-scenes footage and fan reactions
Behind-the-scenes footage captured fans cheering as Burna Boy made his way onto the stage. The energetic set captivated the packed stadium as the Ghetto Kids and backup dancers delivered impressive choreography that kept the audience engaged. A few days before the final, both artists shared videos and photos of themselves embracing warmly while teasing fans about their preparations.
Shakira explains why she chose Ghetto Kids
In one rehearsal video, Shakira explained why she was intentional about sharing the global stage with the young dancers. She stated that she was inspired after watching a viral video of the children dancing with makeshift instruments fashioned from wooden boards, strings, caps and wires despite their difficult circumstances. 'A lot of people asked me why I chose children from the slums to dance with me at the World Cup. Two weeks ago, someone uploaded a video online showing these kids dancing with no professional outfits or props, using wooden boards and strings as guitars, caps and wires as microphones, yet they were partying like they were at Coachella,' she said. She added that after learning many of the children were either orphans or came from extremely poor families, she was reminded of her own childhood in a low-income neighbourhood in Colombia. 'I wanted to bring them into this video so they can truly feel what it's like to stand on a global stage.'
Other performances at the halftime show
Beyond Burna Boy and Shakira's appearance, Canadian pop star Justin Bieber, American music icon Madonna and South Korean group BTS also thrilled the audience with separate performances during the show. American streamer and content creator IShowSpeed also took to the stage to perform his song 'Champions'. He later shared a lighthearted backstage moment with BTS, which quickly drew attention from fans online.
