The Ghetto Kids, a dance troupe of children aged four to 16 from Uganda, have secured a place in the halftime show of the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The group is set to perform alongside Colombian singer Shakira.
Initially, the young performers were scheduled to leave the stadium immediately after their performance, missing the second half of the match between Argentina and Spain. However, this situation was resolved when MD Motivator, on behalf of Marriott Bonvoy, gifted the troupe free tickets to the final on Friday. Marriott Bonvoy is the official sponsor of the halftime show and the gift is part of their 'For Fans, Everywhere' campaign.
The Ghetto Kids gained initial recognition in 2014 for their participation in the music video for Eddy Kenzo's song 'Sitya Loss.' They further increased their visibility by appearing on the reality show Britain's Got Talent in 2023. The troupe maintains a significant social media presence, boasting over 9 million followers on Instagram and 13 million on TikTok.
The World Cup final halftime show will feature a lineup of international artists, including Madonna, Justin Bieber, and Shakira. The show is curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and aims to blend music, football, and social impact, supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative focused on expanding access to education and football opportunities for children globally.
In addition to the halftime show, the final will include a closing ceremony with appearances by artists and public figures such as Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, and Laura Pausini. The ceremony is intended to pay tribute to all 48 nations that participated in the tournament.