Nigerian superstar Burna Boy and Colombian pop icon Shakira took centre stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show on Sunday, July 20, 2026. The performance took place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as Spain faced Argentina for football's biggest prize. FIFA confirmed the two artists as the headline acts for the showpiece event.
What Artists Earn for the World Cup Halftime Show
According to a report by Marca, performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show did not receive a performance fee from FIFA. Instead, the global governing body covered all production costs, staging, and logistics associated with the show. The artists performed without direct financial payment from FIFA. This arrangement mirrors the model used by the NFL's Super Bowl halftime show, where artists also perform without a direct fee but benefit enormously from the global exposure the platform provides, per FIFA.
Global Exposure and Career Impact
The World Cup final draws hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide, making it one of the most-watched sporting events on the planet. For Burna Boy, the performance marks one of the most high-profile stages of his career, cementing his place among the world's biggest musical acts. The Port Harcourt-born Afrobeats star has spent years building crossover appeal spanning Africa, Europe, and the Americas. A World Cup final halftime show appearance adds to a list of major international milestones.
Shakira, who famously performed at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa with her song "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," returned to the World Cup stage 16 years later. Many fans described this as a full-circle moment for the Latin music legend.
Related Developments
Earlier, Legit.ng reported Messi's heartfelt letter to his Argentina teammates and the nation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain. In a poignant message, Messi reflected on the significance of their journey together, conveying a deep sense of gratitude and unity that resonates far beyond the potential glory of winning another title.
