Burna Boy and Shakira Reunite Ahead of Historic FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy and Colombian music sensation Shakira have reunited ahead of Sunday's 2026 FIFA World Cup final, delighting fans with a heartwarming moment during rehearsals at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Burna Boy shared a video on his X account showing the two global music stars exchanging smiles, laughter and a warm embrace as they prepared for what promises to be a historic halftime performance during the World Cup final.

The Grammy-winning Nigerian singer also teased fans about the upcoming show, expressing his excitement about sharing the stage with Shakira during one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

FIFA has already confirmed that Burna Boy and Shakira will headline the first-ever halftime show in the history of a FIFA World Cup final, where they are set to perform "Dai Dai," the tournament's official anthem.

The groundbreaking entertainment spectacle is expected to feature an impressive lineup of international stars, including BTS, Madonna, Justin Bieber, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, Coldplay's PS22 Chorus, as well as appearances from Sesame Street and The Muppets characters.

To accommodate the landmark production, the halftime interval is reportedly being extended beyond the traditional 15 minutes, allowing enough time for the performances and accompanying festivities.

The entertainment will precede a blockbuster final between Spain and Argentina, a match expected to attract hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.

Burna Boy and Shakira previously introduced "Dai Dai" during the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City, where the official World Cup anthem was unveiled to a global audience.

Opinion

Burna Boy's prominent role in the World Cup final entertainment underscores the growing global influence of Afrobeats. Performing alongside an established international icon like Shakira on football's biggest stage is another milestone for Nigerian music and a testament to Africa's expanding cultural footprint.

Beyond the football itself, the inaugural World Cup final halftime show signals FIFA's ambition to blend sport and global entertainment in a way similar to other major sporting events. If successful, it could become a lasting tradition, with Burna Boy playing a key role in launching a new chapter in World Cup history.