The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final has taken on an extra dose of excitement after Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy and Colombian superstar Shakira reunited during rehearsals for Sundayโs groundbreaking halftime show.
The two global music stars were spotted sharing a warm embrace and exchanging smiles as preparations intensified at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the venue for the much-anticipated final between Spain and Argentina.
Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu, gave fans an exclusive glimpse into the final rehearsals by posting a video and a collection of photographs on his ๐ account on Friday, July 17.
The footage showed the Grammy-winning singer greeting Shakira outside the production area before the pair shared a light-hearted moment ahead of the highly anticipated performance.
Accompanying the post, Burna Boy wrote:
โSunday Prep! @shakira See you at the @FIFAWorldCup Final! Dai dai, ikรณ, dale, allez, letโs go!โ
... quickly generated excitement among football and music lovers, with many eager to witness the duo perform on one of the worldโs biggest sporting stages.
FIFA Set For First-Ever Super Bowl-Style Halftime Show
Sundayโs World Cup final will make history as FIFA introduces its first-ever Super Bowl-inspired halftime show, a major shift from the tournamentโs traditional format.
Also Read:ย Popular Native doctor jailed for six years for fraudulent spiritual practices
Burna Boy and Shakira are expected to headline the performance with โDai Dai,โ the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing together African and Latin musical influences before a global audience.
To accommodate the entertainment spectacle, the usual 15-minute halftime break is expected to be extended to approximately 30 minutes, allowing enough time for the live performance alongside the customary match analysis.
FIFA has assembled an impressive lineup of international stars for the historic event.
In addition to Burna Boy and Shakira, performances and appearances are expected from BTS, Madonna, Justin Bieber, renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel, Coldplay alongside the PS22 Chorus, as well as beloved characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets.
The halftime spectacle will also highlight FIFAโs global education initiatives aimed at supporting children around the world.
The upcoming performance marks another chapter in Burna Boy and Shakiraโs growing collaboration.
The pair previously performed โDai Daiโ during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City, where the tournamentโs official anthem was unveiled to football fans across the globe.
Now, with the World Cup reaching its grand finale, the two award-winning artists are set to once again take centre stageโthis time before millions of viewersโas football and music collide in what promises to be one of the tournamentโs most memorable moments.