-
AFROBEATS STARS COULD MAKE HISTORY AT 2026 WORLD CUP HALFTIME SHOW
In a groundbreaking move, FIFA has announced plans to introduce a halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final, rivalling the iconic Super Bowl spectacle.
The show, set to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026, will feature a star-studded lineup, with Afrobeats heavyweights Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid tipped as potential headliners.
According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the organization is already deep into preparations for the show, with Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey playing a key role in curating the lineup. “I can confirm the first ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York New Jersey,” Infantino announced on Instagram. “This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”
The introduction of a halftime show follows the success of the NFL Super Bowl’s performances, which have drawn record-breaking audiences.
The 2026 World Cup final could be a watershed moment for African music, with Afrobeats stars poised to represent the genre on the world’s biggest stage. “We also spoke about how FIFA will takeover Times Square for the final weekend of the FIFA World Cup in 2026, during both the bronze final match and final,” Infantino added.
“These will be two incredible matches, featuring some of the best players in the world, and what better way to celebrate them than in the historic Times Square in New York City. I also want to thank Chris Martin and Phil Harvey of Coldplay, who will be working with us at FIFA to finalise the list of artists who will perform during the halftime show, as well as at Times Square.”
View this post on Instagram
The global explosion of Afrobeats has already seen Nigerian superstars shine on the world’s biggest stages. Davido became the first Nigerian to perform at the FIFA World Cup in 2022, while Burna Boy made history in 2023 by becoming the first African artist to perform at the UEFA Champions League final halftime show. With their star power and global appeal, Afrobeats megastars are prime candidates to represent the genre at the 2026 World Cup halftime show.