The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final is set to be one of the most massive musical acts ever, with Burna Boy, Justin Bieber, and Shakira reportedly joining to entertain the fans at halftime.
The bizarre mix has already been causing music fans worldwide to perk up. The roster of artists will combine Afrobeats, Latin pop and North American chart power, though, making it sound like a perfect fit for the World Cup, which will be played in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The show would be a big deal for Burna Boy. The Nigerian star is known to have graced some of the largest stages in the world and has contributed to the mainstreaming of Afrobeats, but the World Cup Final will see him in front of hundreds of millions of people. The report has already won fans everywhere in Africa and the diaspora as another milestone for African music.
The rumored return of Shakira brings a great dose of World Cup nostalgia. The Colombian singer is forever associated with the tournament after her 2010 song “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” was transformed into a worldwide football anthem. Her appearance in 2026 would bring her World Cup journey full circle.
Justin Bieber’s alleged involvement has led to more mixed reactions online. Burna Boy and Shakira should be the biggest names, according to some fans and social media users, as the Canadian pop star could be making his comeback on the big screen.
The halftime show is also said to be linked to a charitable campaign to raise awareness about education around the world. This may make the show more meaningful than just entertainment, though no word has been released yet on which songs will be played or what the stage setup will be.
As yet, neither of the artists’ teams has officially announced what performances will be in progress. But Burna Boy, Justin Bieber, and Shakira could also be part of the rumored halftime show, making it one of the biggest talking points of the tournament.
