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Shakira is set to co-headline the first-ever half-time show at the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in New Jersey Stadium on July 19, but she won't be alone. The Colombian pop singer will be joined on stage by the internationally recognised Ugandan dance troupe Ghetto Kids, comprising street and orphaned children.
She confirmed that the Ghetto Kids were her first choice to perform alongside her during the half-time show of the World Cup final. While speaking about Dai Dai, the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song featuring Burna Boy, Shakira revealed that she had personally invited the Ghetto Kids to be part of her performance at the event.
“I’ve already invited the Ghetto Kids from Uganda ," she said in a video shared on Instagram while also encouraging fans and children around the world to create dance videos using the official song and share them online.
“I want that moment to be special to all of us. I want it to be unforgettable. That's why I've decided to invite as many of you as I can to dance with me at the finals,” she added.
The Ghetto Kids, an NGO and dance troupe based in Uganda’s capital Kampala, is known for helping orphaned and underprivileged children through dance, education and performing arts. The group rose to fame after videos of their energetic street performances went viral on social media, later earning them international recognition and an appearance on America’s Got Talent.
Members of the troupe expressed their excitement about performing with Shakira, with eight-year-old Busingye Josephine Daniella sharing with news agency AFP, “We can't wait to show the world what we are!”
16-year-old Ssegirinyi Madwanah said, "Getting outside the country... and performing on one of the biggest stages... it feels good, and it brings a lot of opportunities."
Kavuma Dauda, the founder of the NGO, called the invitation a ‘huge opportunity’ for both the children and the organisation.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will begin on June 11 and will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
She confirmed that the Ghetto Kids were her first choice to perform alongside her during the half-time show of the World Cup final. While speaking about Dai Dai, the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song featuring Burna Boy, Shakira revealed that she had personally invited the Ghetto Kids to be part of her performance at the event.
“I’ve already invited the Ghetto Kids from Uganda ," she said in a video shared on Instagram while also encouraging fans and children around the world to create dance videos using the official song and share them online.
“I want that moment to be special to all of us. I want it to be unforgettable. That's why I've decided to invite as many of you as I can to dance with me at the finals,” she added.
The Ghetto Kids, an NGO and dance troupe based in Uganda’s capital Kampala, is known for helping orphaned and underprivileged children through dance, education and performing arts. The group rose to fame after videos of their energetic street performances went viral on social media, later earning them international recognition and an appearance on America’s Got Talent.
Members of the troupe expressed their excitement about performing with Shakira, with eight-year-old Busingye Josephine Daniella sharing with news agency AFP, “We can't wait to show the world what we are!”
16-year-old Ssegirinyi Madwanah said, "Getting outside the country... and performing on one of the biggest stages... it feels good, and it brings a lot of opportunities."
Kavuma Dauda, the founder of the NGO, called the invitation a ‘huge opportunity’ for both the children and the organisation.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will begin on June 11 and will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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