Grammy Award-winning Afrobeats superstar, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, made history on Sunday by becoming the first Nigerian artist to perform at a FIFA World Cup final halftime show.
The groundbreaking performance took place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States, marking FIFA’s debut halftime entertainment showcase. Burna Boy thrilled millions of viewers worldwide with his electrifying stage presence and signature Afrobeats sound, further solidifying his status as one of Africa’s most influential cultural exports.
Sharing the stage with Colombian icon Shakira, Burna Boy performed Dai Dai, the tournament’s official anthem, before a packed stadium and a global television audience. The duo had earlier delivered the anthem at the opening ceremony, but this time they were joined by Uganda’s Ghetto Kids, whose vibrant choreography added energy and color to the spectacle.
The halftime entertainment also featured performances by American stars Madonna and Justin Bieber. Madonna opened the show, while Bieber delivered an acoustic rendition of Everything Hallelujah. Brazilian football legends Ronaldo Nazário and Ronaldinho also made appearances, drawing loud cheers from fans.
Curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, the show lasted just over 27 minutes—significantly longer than FIFA’s traditional 15-minute halftime interval. The extended break drew mixed reactions, with some fans praising the innovation while others questioned the format. Former England striker Ian Wright humorously commented on Ronaldinho’s oversized tracksuit, while ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane described the show as “a bit of an anti-climax,” though he admitted it was “nice to see Shakira.”
For Burna Boy, however, the performance marked another defining milestone in a career that has taken Afrobeats to the world’s biggest stages. Nigerian artists such as Femi Kuti and Rema have previously performed at FIFA events, but Burna Boy’s appearance at the final halftime show represents a new level of global recognition for the genre.
In recent years, Nigerian musicians have headlined international festivals, sold out stadiums across Europe and North America, and contributed official songs to major sporting events. Burna Boy’s historic performance at the World Cup final reinforces Afrobeats’ growing influence and Nigeria’s cultural footprint in global entertainment.
