Entertainment
Published ByFemi Fabunmi
Date18th July, 2026
Quick Read
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy and Colombian pop icon Shakira have reunited ahead of Sunday’s <a href="https://absafricatv.com/fifa-world-cup-schedule-july-18-games-kickoff-times-livestream/" title="FIFA World Cup schedule July 18: Games, kickoff times, livestream”>FIFA World Cup final, sharing a memorable moment during rehearsals at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States.
The two global music stars were seen exchanging smiles, laughter and a warm embrace as they prepared for what is expected to be one of the biggest entertainment events in football history.
Burna Boy shared a video of the encounter on his X account, giving fans a glimpse of the preparations taking place behind the scenes. The clip quickly attracted attention from football and music lovers around the world, with many expressing excitement about the upcoming performance.
The Grammy-winning Nigerian singer also hinted at the scale of the event, saying he was looking forward to performing alongside Shakira during the highly anticipated World Cup final. Their appearance is expected to bring together fans from different cultures and regions, highlighting the global appeal of both football and music.
FIFA has already confirmed that Burna Boy and Shakira will headline the first-ever halftime show to be staged during a FIFA World Cup final. The pair are expected to perform Dai Dai, the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which was first unveiled during the tournament’s opening ceremony in Mexico City.
The halftime show is expected to feature a number of international stars and special guests. Reports indicate that artists such as BTS, Madonna, Justin Bieber and renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel will also be involved in the production. The PS22 Chorus, known for its performances with major music stars, is also expected to appear, alongside beloved characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets.
Unlike traditional World Cup finals, the halftime break is reportedly being extended beyond the usual 15 minutes to accommodate the historic entertainment programme. Organisers believe the move will create a unique experience for viewers and further strengthen the connection between sport and entertainment on a global stage.
Sunday’s final will see Spain take on Argentina in what promises to be an exciting contest between two football powerhouses. Millions of fans across the world are expected to tune in not only for the action on the pitch but also for the star-studded halftime spectacle.
For Burna Boy, the performance marks another major milestone in his international career. Over the years, the Nigerian singer has continued to expand the global reach of Afrobeats, performing at some of the world’s biggest events and collaborating with leading artists across different genres.
Shakira, who is no stranger to football events, has previously delivered memorable performances at major FIFA tournaments and remains one of the most recognisable music stars associated with the sport.
With football fans eagerly awaiting the clash between Spain and Argentina, anticipation is also building for the halftime show, which is expected to deliver a memorable blend of music, culture and entertainment on one of the world’s biggest stages.
