Burna Boy, Shakira Deliver Spectacular Performance in FIFA’s First-Ever World Cup Final Halftime Show

Nigerian Grammy Award winner Burna Boy and Colombian music icon Shakira delivered a spectacular halftime performance during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, making history as headliners of FIFA's first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show.

The two global stars performed the tournament's official anthem, "Dai, Dai," during the interval of Sunday's final at the New York New Jersey Stadium, captivating millions of viewers around the world as Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to become 2026 FIFA World Cup champions.

The historic entertainment spectacle marked a major departure from tradition, with FIFA introducing a full-scale halftime concert for the first time in the history of the men's World Cup final.

Burna Boy and Shakira's performance formed the centrepiece of a star-studded show that also featured American pop legend Madonna, who opened the entertainment segment, while Canadian superstar Justin Bieber thrilled fans with an acoustic rendition of "Everything Hallelujah."

Football royalty also took centre stage as Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, members of Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning team, drove onto the pitch to a rousing reception from the capacity crowd.

Curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, the halftime show lasted approximately 27 minutes, significantly longer than the traditional 15-minute interval stipulated under the Laws of the Game. The extended break formed part of FIFA's broader strategy to enhance fan engagement and blend football with global entertainment during the expanded 48-team tournament.

While the groundbreaking initiative attracted worldwide attention, it also sparked debate among fans, players and football pundits over whether such entertainment should become a permanent feature of future World Cup finals.

Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo welcomed the innovation but urged FIFA to ensure entertainment does not interfere with the flow of the game.

"I would love to see more of it as long as it doesn't eat into the stipulated duration of the game," Yobo said while analysing the final on Sporty TV.

Former England striker Ian Wright reacted light-heartedly to the spectacle, joking that Ronaldinho's oversized tracksuit stole part of the show, while ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane admitted he found the overall production underwhelming despite praising Shakira's performance.

The halftime concert ultimately became one of the defining moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, combining football and music on an unprecedented scale. With Burna Boy and Shakira leading the historic debut, FIFA opened a new chapter in World Cup entertainment, creating a spectacle that is likely to influence future editions of the tournament.