Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy will once again represent Africa on football’s biggest stage after FIFA confirmed he will perform at the inaugural FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Halftime Show alongside global music icons Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS.
The performance, scheduled for July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, marks the first-ever halftime show in FIFA World Cup final history and will combine football, music and philanthropy before billions of viewers worldwide.
FIFA and Global Citizen announced on Wednesday that Canadian pop star Justin Bieber had joined Madonna, Shakira and South Korean group BTS as co-headliners for the landmark 11-minute spectacle. Burna Boy will also feature prominently alongside acclaimed Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the award-winning PS22 Chorus with Coldplay.
Burna Boy’s inclusion continues the strong African presence that has characterised the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Grammy-winning Nigerian artiste previously headlined the tournament’s opening ceremony, while fellow African music stars Davido, Rema and South African singer Tyla have all performed at major FIFA World Cup events and fan celebrations during the tournament.
Speaking on his participation, Burna Boy described the opportunity as both an honour 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. I’m honoured to be part of a performance that not only celebrates football and culture but also helps create greater opportunities for children through education around the world,” he said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the event would unite sport, music and social impact while supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million to expand access to education and football opportunities for children worldwide. More than $50 million has already been raised, including $1 from every ticket sold for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
“When it comes to what the world needs, there is nothing more important than education,” Infantino said, adding that the performers would help deliver “a powerful message of unity and hope to billions of people worldwide.”
Justin Bieber also welcomed the initiative, saying he was grateful to perform at an event that was already helping expand educational opportunities for children around the world.
The halftime show is being produced by Global Citizen in partnership with Live Nation and Done + Dusted, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin serving as curator. Characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets will also appear as part of the production, reinforcing the tournament’s education campaign.
Beyond the final, FIFA has used the World Cup to promote its Unite for Education campaign, with players wearing special sleeve patches during the knockout rounds to raise awareness of education initiatives and the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
