Burna Boy, Shakira join global music icons for historic 2026 World Cup Final halftime show in New York

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final will feature an unprecedented halftime spectacle, marking the first time in the tournament's history that the final match will include a dedicated music performance. Taking place on July 19 in New York, the 11-minute show will bring together some of the world's biggest musical talents, with Burna Boy representing Africa alongside global superstars Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS.

The star-studded lineup reflects football's universal appeal across continents and genres. Burna Boy's inclusion is particularly significant for West African representation at one of sports' most-watched events. The Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, alongside Colombian reggaeton icon Shakira, will perform their collaboration "Dai Dai," which has already become a tournament anthem, dominating global charts during the World Cup's opening ceremonies held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, the performance extends beyond entertainment. The halftime show aims to raise $100 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, directing resources towards education initiatives that benefit children worldwide. This philanthropic dimension transforms the spectacle into a platform for social impact.

A historic moment for world football and music

The inaugural halftime show underscores FIFA's ambition to elevate the World Cup Final experience. The performance will feature conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus, Coldplay and the Sesame Street Muppets, creating a diverse artistic experience spanning orchestral arrangement, pop, Afrobeats, K-pop and Latin influences.

Justin Bieber remarked on the significance, stating: "The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can," emphasising how music and football converge on one of the world's largest stages. Both Shakira and Burna Boy have already made their mark on the expanded 48-team tournament through opening ceremony performances, establishing themselves as central figures in the World Cup's cultural narrative.

Why it matters for Ghana and West Africa

Burna Boy's prominence in the halftime show represents a milestone for African artists on the global stage. His selection alongside established international acts demonstrates the growing recognition of Afrobeats as a defining force in contemporary music. For Ghana, the continent's music scene and the broader West African region, this visibility matters significantly.

The World Cup's expansion to 48 teams and its hosting across North America has already reshaped how African nations and artists participate in the tournament. Burna Boy's headline slot at the final underscores the shifting dynamics of global entertainment, where African creators command equal footing with Western counterparts. Additionally, the education fund's mission aligns with broader development priorities across Ghana and the continent, where access to quality education remains crucial.

The performance also highlights how major sporting events increasingly leverage music to drive engagement and raise funds for meaningful causes, a model that could inspire similar initiatives across African sports and entertainment sectors.