Burna Boy, Madonna, Justin Bieber, others perform at World Cup final halftime show tonight

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By Ayo Onikoyi

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Burna Boy has made history again as he is set to perform at the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show tonight set to take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium before the second half of the 2026 World Cup final.

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The African Giant will share the stage with global stars including Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the celebrated PS22 Chorus in a performance expected to be watched by billions of viewers across the world

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The Grammy Award-winning Nigerian music superstar Burna Boy has described his inclusion in the historic FIFA World Cup 2026 final halftime show as a proud moment not only for himself but for Africa and the global Afrobeats movement.

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For the “Last Last” hitmaker, the opportunity represents another milestone in a career that has consistently broken barriers for African music on the global stage.

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“It is an honour to represent Nigeria and the entire African continent at an event of this magnitude. Football and music have the power to unite people regardless of language, race or nationality, and I’m proud that Afrobeats will be part of this historic celebration,” Burna Boy said.

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The halftime spectacle marks the first time FIFA has introduced a Super Bowl-style musical performance during a World Cup final. Produced in partnership with Global Citizen and curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, the show is expected to blend music, culture and philanthropy while supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children around the world.

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Burna Boy’s inclusion underscores the growing global influence of Afrobeats, a genre that has evolved into one of the world’s fastest-growing musical movements. Over the past few years, the Nigerian star has headlined sold-out stadium concerts across Europe, North America and Africa, earned a Grammy Award, and collaborated with some of the biggest names in international music.

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His performance at the World Cup final adds another prestigious global event to his résumé, following appearances at major international festivals and sporting ceremonies that have showcased African music to worldwide audiences.

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show is expected to be one of the most-watched musical performances in history, with billions of football fans tuning in from every continent.

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For Burna Boy, the moment is about more than entertainment.

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“It is another opportunity to show the world the richness of African music and culture. Every time we step onto a global stage, we open more doors for the next generation of African artists. This is a win for all of us,” he said.

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With anticipation building ahead of the final, Burna Boy’s participation reinforces Africa’s growing presence on the world’s biggest cultural and sporting platforms, further cementing his reputation as one of the continent’s leading musical ambassadors.

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