The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost here. And while the Super Eagles will not be on the pitch, Nigerian music stars are set to dominate the global stage in a major way.
From the opening ceremonies to the official tournament anthem, Afrobeats is taking centre stage. Four Nigerian heavyweights have secured spots in FIFA’s entertainment lineup. This is a historic moment for the country’s music industry.
Here is everything you need to know:
Rema to Headline Los Angeles Opening Ceremony
The biggest news came from FIFA directly. Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema has been announced as the main attraction for the United States opening ceremony in Los Angeles on June 12.
He will perform alongside an international lineup that includes Katy Perry, rapper Future, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, Brazilian superstar Anitta, and South African singer Tyla. The ceremony will take place at SoFi Stadium before the US men’s national team faces Paraguay.
Rema is no stranger to global stages. He previously performed at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, becoming the first African artist to do so. Now he is adding the World Cup to his resume.
Burna Boy Joins Shakira for Official Anthem Dai Dai
Before the opening ceremonies even begin, Burna Boy will have already made his mark. The Grammy-winning singer teamed up with Colombian icon Shakira for Dai Dai, the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The song blends Afrobeats with Latin pop and carries a message of unity and resilience. Burna Boy and Shakira will perform the track live at the first opening ceremony in Mexico City on June 11, ahead of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
Dai Dai is not just a song. It aims to raise $100 million in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
Davido to Headline FIFA Countdown Concert in Los Angeles
Davido is also playing a major role. The Grammy-nominated singer has been announced as one of the headline acts for FIFA’s Countdown Concert in Los Angeles on June 10, one day before the tournament begins.
He will share the stage with Diplo’s Major Lazer at the Crypto.com Arena. The concert is part of a synchronised live event happening simultaneously across all three host nations (US, Canada, and Mexico).
This is not Davido’s first World Cup appearance. In 2022, he became the first Nigerian artist to perform at a FIFA World Cup closing ceremony in Qatar. He also featured on Hayya Hayya (Better Together), the first official soundtrack of that tournament.
Ayra Starr and Four Nigerian Stars on the Official Album
The Nigerian presence extends beyond live performances. Four Nigerian artists have secured spots on the official 18-track FIFA World Cup 2026 album.
Burna Boy leads with Dai Dai alongside Shakira. Rema features on Goals with Lisa and Anitta. Davido teams up with Major Lazer and Nelly Furtado for No Place Like Home. And Ayra Starr joins American rapper Latto on Show Me.
Out of all the countries represented on the album, Nigeria ranks third, only behind the United States (eight artists) and Mexico (five artists). This is a clear statement of Afrobeats’ global dominance.
What About Wizkid and the Halftime Show?
While Nigerian stars are well represented, two major names are missing from the headline acts. Davido and Wizkid are notably absent from the World Cup final halftime show lineup. FIFA and Global Citizen announced that Madonna, Shakira, and BTS will co-headline that historic performance on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Wizkid, one of Africa’s most influential Afrobeats stars, is yet to perform at any major FIFA World Cup ceremony or halftime show. Fans have taken note. But with Rema, Burna Boy, Davido, and Ayra Starr already locked in, Nigeria’s presence is still massive.
Why This is Good for Afrobeats
This is not just about a few performances. This is about the global recognition of Afrobeats as a mainstream force.
FIFA’s decision to prominently feature Nigerian talent reflects the commercial success and cultural influence of the genre. Nigerian artists have become regular collaborators with global stars, topped international charts, and sold out some of the biggest venues in the world.
The World Cup reaches an estimated 5 billion viewers globally. For Nigerian artists, this level of exposure translates into streaming boosts, international bookings, brand partnerships, and long-term career growth.
Industry observers note that previous World Cup appearances have launched or revitalised careers for artists from several countries. A 2018 analysis showed that tracks featured on that tournament’s official playlist saw streaming increases averaging 340 percent in the months following the event.
Looking Forward to the Performances
The Super Eagles may not be playing. But Nigerian music is winning.
With Rema headlining the LA opening ceremony, Burna Boy performing the official anthem with Shakira, Davido leading the countdown concert, and four Nigerian stars on the album, Afrobeats is taking its rightful place on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
As the world turns its attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the soundtrack will be undeniably Nigerian. And that is something every fan can celebrate.
