Grammy Award-winning Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy has etched his name into football and music history after becoming the first Nigerian artiste to perform at the FIFA World Cup final halftime show.
The global music icon delivered the historic performance during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States, sharing the stage with Colombian superstar Shakira in FIFA’s first-ever halftime entertainment at a World Cup final.
Burna Boy’s appearance marked another major milestone for Nigerian music on the international stage. While Femi Kuti and Rema have previously performed at FIFA-related events, Burna Boy is the first Nigerian to headline the halftime show during the World Cup final itself.
The singer and Shakira thrilled thousands of fans inside the stadium and millions watching worldwide with a performance of “Dai Dai,” the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The duo had earlier introduced the song during the tournament’s opening ceremony and were joined this time by Uganda’s Ghetto Kids, whose energetic dance routines added excitement to the show.
The star-studded halftime spectacle also featured performances by American music legends Madonna and Justin Bieber. Madonna opened the entertainment shortly after the first half ended, while Bieber later performed an acoustic version of “Everything Hallelujah.”
Football icons Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho also made appearances during the event, receiving loud applause from supporters inside the stadium. The entertainment programme was curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and lasted more than 27 minutes, significantly longer than the traditional 15-minute halftime interval in FIFA matches.
The introduction of a Super Bowl-style halftime show generated mixed reactions among football fans and pundits. While many welcomed the added entertainment, others questioned FIFA’s decision to extend the halftime break. Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane described the show as “a bit of an anti-climax,” although he praised Shakira’s performance, while former England striker Ian Wright joked about Ronaldinho’s oversized tracksuit.
For Burna Boy, the performance represents another landmark achievement in a career that has helped propel Afrobeats to global prominence. As Nigerian artists continue to headline international festivals, sell out stadiums and contribute official soundtracks for major sporting events, Burna Boy’s historic World Cup final appearance further cements the genre’s growing influence on the world stage.
