Burna Boy set for historic World Cup final halftime show alongside Shakira

Nigerian music sensation Burna Boy is preparing for one of the biggest moments of his career, reuniting with global pop icon Shakira for the first-ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final. The pair were captured sharing warm moments during rehearsals at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Burna Boy sharing footage of their reunion on social media ahead of Sunday's championship match.

The historic performance comes as FIFA elevates the World Cup final entertainment experience, moving beyond the traditional brief halftime interlude to create a landmark celebration of global music and culture. Burna Boy and Shakira will headline the show performing Dai Dai, the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, which they previously unveiled during the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City.

A star-studded global spectacle

The halftime entertainment has been built into a star-studded production extending well beyond the standard 15-minute break. The lineup includes BTS, Madonna, Justin Bieber, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, Coldplay's P.S. 22 Chorus, alongside appearances from beloved characters including Sesame Street and The Muppets cast members. This expanded format reflects FIFA's ambition to deliver an entertainment experience that matches the magnitude of the sporting event itself.

The final will pit Spain against Argentina, with millions of viewers worldwide expected to tune in for both the football action and the entertainment showcase. For Burna Boy, the appearance represents a significant moment for African music on the global stage, continuing his rise as one of the continent's most prominent exports in contemporary music.

What this means for Ghana and African representation

The inclusion of Burna Boy in such a prominent international platform underscores the growing global reach of Afrobeats and African artists more broadly. While a Nigerian artist leads the charge, the visibility reflects broader momentum for West African music on the world stage—momentum that Ghanaian artists have also benefited from through collaborations and streaming success.

Burna Boy's involvement in FIFA's biggest stage demonstrates how African music has become integral to global entertainment, rather than peripheral. For Ghanaians who follow international music trends and take pride in continental achievements, this is a moment that highlights Africa's cultural influence. The artist's ability to secure such a role alongside established global icons like Shakira and Madonna reflects the commercial and creative power that Afrobeats has accumulated over the past five years.

The World Cup has historically used halftime shows to celebrate music and culture, but expanding the format and giving prominent billing to African artists marks a shift in how global sports bodies recognise the appetite for diverse entertainment. As Ghanaians look to their own music exports making similar international strides, Burna Boy's World Cup moment serves as both inspiration and a benchmark for the trajectory of West African music on global platforms.