(Burna Boy. Photo by PM News)
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy is set to bring Afrobeats to football’s grandest stage, having been announced as one of the headline performers for the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show.
FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that Burna Boy will feature alongside a star-studded lineup of global music icons, including Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and South Korean group BTS, for the historic 11-minute performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The groundbreaking show will take place on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, introducing a new entertainment tradition to the World Cup final modelled on the famous Super Bowl halftime spectacle.
Burna Boy’s appearance represents another significant milestone for Nigerian music, placing an African artist at the heart of one of the world’s most watched sporting events.
The singer said he was honoured to represent the continent on such a historic 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.
The performance will also support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative designed to expand access to education and football opportunities for children around the world.
Curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, the show will feature additional performances from British rock band Coldplay, the PS22 Chorus, and renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the historic halftime show would leverage football’s biggest platform to promote education and bring people together across the globe.
“When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education,” Infantino said.
