In a moment that bridges continents and cultures, Colombian superstar Shakira has extended a formal invitation to Uganda's Ghetto Kids to perform alongside her at the historic 2026 World Cup final halftime show. The event, set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York, will mark the first-ever halftime show at a men's World Cup final, and Shakira wants these young dancers from Kampala to share the spotlight.
The invitation came after a video went viral on Instagram, showing the Ghetto Kids—a dance troupe of orphaned and vulnerable children—performing an energetic choreography to “Dai Dai,” Shakira's official World Cup anthem featuring Burna Boy and Ed Sheeran. In the clip, the kids not only nailed the rhythm but also creatively incorporated the flags of the three host nations: México, Canada, and the United States.
Impressed by their charisma and precision, Shakira reposted the video on her Instagram Stories with a direct message: “I need dancers like them! Guys, do you want to come and dance with me for the final?” The response from the Ghetto Kids Foundation was immediate and emotional: “Hello, Shakira! Yes, we want to perform with you! This would be a dream come true for us, for Uganda and for Africa!”
From Kampala to the World Stage
The Ghetto Kids Foundation, based in Kampala, Uganda, is a social project that uses dance as a tool for empowerment and rehabilitation. Founded to rescue and care for orphaned children and those living in extreme poverty, the group has already earned international recognition. In late 2025, they surprised audiences with their adaptations of traditional Latin American rhythms, including the Ecuadorian sanjuanito, showing a deep appreciation for the region's musical diversity.
This isn't the first time Shakira has used her platform to uplift young talent. Her 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka” drew from Cameroonian military chants, and she has consistently championed global causes through her music and philanthropy. Now, she's offering these kids a chance to dance on one of the biggest stages in the world.
The Road to MetLife: Visa Hurdles and Logistics
Despite the excitement, the path to the halftime show is not without challenges. The Ghetto Kids must navigate complex visa procedures for a delegation of minors traveling from Uganda to the United States. Logistical coordination—transport, lodging, and daily expenses—will require funding and support from the organizing committees. FIFA has not yet issued official approval for their inclusion in the 25-minute broadcast, but the show's partnership with the NGO Global Citizen could work in their favor.
If all goes well, the Ghetto Kids will share the stage with an all-star lineup that includes Madonna and BTS, as reported in our earlier coverage of the historic halftime show announcement. It's a testament to how music and dance can transcend borders, turning a viral moment into a life-changing opportunity.
For Shakira, this is more than a performance—it's a continuation of her legacy as an artist who bridges worlds. From Barranquilla to Kampala to New York, the rhythm of “Dai Dai” is now a global call to dance, and these kids are answering.
