PHOTO: Burna Boy, Shakira meet ahead of World Cup final halftime show
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At a glance
- Afrobeats star Burna Boy and pop icon Shakira met during rehearsals for the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show.
- The artists are set to perform 'Dai Dai,' the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, at the event in New Jersey.
- The halftime show is expected to be an extended, Super Bowl-style performance featuring other global artists.
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy and Colombian music superstar Shakira shared a moment of camaraderie as they prepared for a historic performance at the upcoming FIFA World Cup final halftime show.
The artists were seen embracing and smiling during rehearsals at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, captured in a video posted by Burna Boy on his X account. The pair are slated to perform 'Dai Dai,' the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, during what FIFA has billed as the tournament's first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show.
Reports suggest the halftime break will be significantly extended beyond the traditional 15 minutes, potentially lasting around 30 minutes. This extended period will accommodate an 11-minute performance segment headlined by Burna Boy and Shakira, alongside a 15-minute analysis by pundits. FIFA has also announced a star-studded lineup for the show, including BTS, Madonna, Justin Bieber, conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus with Coldplay, and even appearances by characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets. The event aims to support global education initiatives for children.
Sunday Prep! @shakira See you at the @FIFAWorldCup Final! Dai dai, ikรณ, dale, allez, letโs go!
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.