Uganda’s Ghetto Kids set for World Cup dance alongside Shakira

Uganda’s celebrated dance troupe, the Ghetto Kids, are preparing for the biggest performance of their lives after being selected to perform alongside global music icon Shakira during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final halftime show.

The historic performance will take place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States, where the World Cup final will be played.

The event will mark the first-ever halftime show in FIFA World Cup final history, with Shakira among the headline performers.

Reports indicate that the Colombian superstar personally invited the Ugandan group after being impressed by their dance interpretations of the official World Cup anthem, ‘Dai Dai’.

For the Ghetto Kids, the invitation represents another remarkable milestone in a journey that has inspired millions around the world.

Founded in Kampala’s Katwe community by Dauda Kavuma, the group was created as a platform to support vulnerable and disadvantaged children through dance, music and education.

Over the years, the troupe has transformed from a local community initiative into a global entertainment phenomenon, providing opportunities for children from difficult backgrounds to showcase their talents on the international stage.

The Ghetto Kids first gained worldwide recognition through their energetic dance videos on social media before attracting global attention with their appearance in French Montana's hit music video ‘Unforgettable’.

They later performed during activities surrounding the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and reached the finals of Britain's Got Talent, further cementing their reputation as one of Africa’s most successful youth dance groups.

Their upcoming appearance alongside Shakira is fitting given the singer’s long-standing connection with the FIFA World Cup.

The Colombian superstar became synonymous with football’s biggest tournament in 2010 when her anthem ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ became one of the most successful World Cup songs ever produced.

The song remains a global sporting anthem and helped strengthen Shakira’s association with football.

She has since been involved in multiple FIFA-related projects and recently released ‘Dai Dai’ with Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy as the official song for the 2026 World Cup.

Shakira has described the World Cup as a celebration of unity and culture, and her decision to include the Ghetto Kids reflects that vision.

The Ghetto Kids’ World Cup appearance represents more than a performance—it is a powerful symbol of resilience and opportunity, showcasing how talent and determination can elevate Uganda’s youth onto the global stage.