Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy and Colombian global music icon Shakira have reunited ahead of their historic performance at the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show.
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, shared moments from rehearsals with Shakira on Friday, showing both artistes exchanging smiles and embracing ahead of Sunday’s spectacle at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, United States.
The Grammy-winning Nigerian singer posted a video of the meeting on his X handle with the caption: “Sunday Prep! @shakira See you at the @FIFAWorldCup Final! Dai dai, ikó, dale, allez, let’s go!”
The performance will see the two international stars headline the halftime show during the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, marking the first time FIFA will stage a Super Bowl-style entertainment show during the tournament’s final.
Burna Boy and Shakira are expected to perform “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which was unveiled during the tournament’s opening ceremony in Mexico City.
The halftime programme is expected to feature an extended break, with organisers preparing an entertainment segment alongside traditional match analysis.
The show will also feature appearances from other global stars, including BTS, Madonna, Justin Bieber, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus with Coldplay, as well as characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets.
The event is also expected to support global education initiatives for children.
Burna Boy’s appearance represents another major global milestone for Afrobeats, as the Nigerian singer continues to take African music to some of the biggest stages in the world.
Sunday’s World Cup final will see Spain face Argentina, with millions of football fans expected to watch both the match and the landmark halftime performance.
