By DEBORAH ENWEREM

Colombian pop artiste Shakira, Grammy-winning Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy and the popular Uganda’s Ghetto Kids have started rehearsals for their highly anticipated performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final halftime show.

Videos circulating on social media show the artistes dancing alongside members of the Ghetto Kids during rehearsals, generating excitement ahead of the tournament’s grand finale.

The performance will form part of FIFA’s first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show at the FIFA World Cup final.

Spain and Argentina will trade tackles at the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States.

Shakira and Burna Boy have earlier released “Dai Dai,” the official song for the World Cup.

FIFA said royalties from the song would support its Global Citizen Education Fund.

The fund aims to raise $100 million by the end of the tournament to provide children around the world with access to quality education and football opportunities.

The iconic Uganda’s Ghetto Kids are a dance troupe of orphaned and vulnerable children from the Katwe slums in Kampala.

The troupe, who gained international recognition through their energetic dance performances and appearances on global talent platforms, were earlier invited by Shakira to join the halftime spectacle.

The event is expected to bring together music, dance and football in one of the most-watched sporting broadcasts globally. (NAN)