LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy will represent Africa on football’s biggest stage after FIFA announced him as one of the headline performers for the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show in 2026.
FIFA announced that the Afrobeats star will perform alongside global music heavyweights including Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and South Korean group BTS during the historic 11-minute show.
The performance is scheduled to hold on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium, which will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
For the first time, the sports event introduces a new entertainment feature to the tournament’s final, inspired by the globally recognized American Super Bowl halftime show.
Burna Boy’s appearance marks another major achievement for Afrobeats, placing a Nigerian artist at the centre of one of the world’s most watched sporting events.
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Reacting to the announcement, the “Last Last” singer said he was honored to represent Africa on the global stage, describing the opportunity as both a privilege and a responsibility.
“The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire world together. To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly,” Burna Boy said.
Notably, the halftime performance will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a programme focused on improving access to education and football opportunities for children worldwide.
The show will be curated by Chris Martin and will also feature performances from Coldplay, the PS22 Chorus and Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
As football and entertainment fans worldwide look forward to the World Cup final, the halftime show is set to become a major cultural moment, with Burna Boy’s participation further showcasing Afrobeats growing global influence beyond Nigeria’s shores.
