Global stars link up in New Jersey as FIFA prepares first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime spectacle for Spain vs Argentina clash

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy and Colombian pop icon Shakira have set the stage for a historic FIFA World Cup final halftime show, sharing a lighthearted moment during rehearsals in the United States.

Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, took to X on Friday to post a video capturing the pair exchanging smiles and a warm embrace as preparations intensified at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey ahead of Sunday’s final.

Captioning the clip with a mix of global flair, the Grammy-winning artiste wrote: “Sunday Prep! @shakira See you at the @FIFAWorldCup Final! Dai dai, ikó, dale, allez, let’s go!”

The footage, accompanied by behind-the-scenes photos, shows both performers in relaxed outfits, laughing and bonding outside production trailers at the venue.

FIFA has confirmed that Burna Boy and Shakira will headline the first-ever halftime show in World Cup final history, performing “Dai Dai,” the official anthem of the 2026 tournament. The groundbreaking segment is expected to mirror the Super Bowl format, marking a major shift in football entertainment.

To accommodate the spectacle, organisers are planning to extend the traditional 15-minute halftime break to about 30 minutes. The schedule will reportedly include the usual studio analysis alongside an 11-minute live performance led by the global music stars.

The star-studded show will also feature appearances from BTS, Madonna, Justin Bieber, renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus with Coldplay, and even characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets, blending music, culture, and family-friendly entertainment on a global stage.

Beyond entertainment, FIFA says the halftime show will support international education initiatives for children.

Sunday’s final will see Spain take on Argentina in what promises to be a thrilling showdown, now amplified by an unprecedented halftime spectacle.

Burna Boy and Shakira previously performed “Dai Dai” at the tournament’s opening ceremony in Mexico City, where the song debuted as the official World Cup anthem.