KAMPALA — Uganda’s internationally acclaimed Triplets Ghetto Kids have earned global praise after performing alongside Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian music icon Burna Boy during the first-ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final, marking another milestone for the Kampala-based dance troupe.
The children took to the stage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey during Sunday’s FIFA World Cup 2026 final, performing energetic choreography to Dai Dai, the tournament’s official anthem by Shakira and Burna Boy. The 11-minute spectacle, modelled after the NFL Super Bowl halftime show, featured global stars including Madonna, BTS and Justin Bieber.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to lift the World Cup trophy, but many fans on social media singled out the Ugandan dancers as one of the standout moments of the halftime entertainment.
Following the performance, the Ghetto Kids shared their excitement on X.
“Performing at the World Cup Halftime Show with Shakira was an experience we will carry with us for a lifetime,” the group posted. “Thank you @shakira, @FIFAworldcup, @GlblCtzn, @burnaboy, @FIFAcom, fellow Ugandans and fans, and our partners @mtnug and @ExploreUganda. #InspireGhettoKids.”
The dance troupe, which is supported by a non-governmental organisation that empowers vulnerable and formerly homeless children in Kampala through dance, has risen from Uganda’s streets to become one of Africa’s most recognisable youth entertainment groups. Their performances have attracted hundreds of millions of views across social media and international television appearances.
Their World Cup appearance followed a remarkable chain of events that began in May when Shakira noticed videos of the children dancing to Dai Dai online. The singer invited them to perform during her concert in New Jersey before extending the invitation to join her on football’s biggest stage.
In an earlier social media post, Shakira described spending time with the Ugandan children as “magical,” saying they had “changed our lives” and expressing excitement about dancing with them at the World Cup final.
Ugandan singer Eddy Kenzo, who is also Senior Presidential Advisor on Creatives, congratulated the group, saying their achievement demonstrated that Ugandan talent could compete on the world’s biggest stages.
“There are moments that are evident enough to us that the world is watching Uganda,” Kenzo wrote on X.
“Today, our very own Ghetto Kids have again carried the Ugandan flag onto one of the biggest stages on earth, performing alongside Shakira and Burna Boy at the FIFA World Cup Final. This is bigger than dance. It is bigger than entertainment. It is yet another proof that a dream born in the streets of Kampala can inspire billions across the globe.”
He added that the performance underscored the growing international potential of Uganda’s creative industry and encouraged young Ugandans to pursue their dreams through talent, discipline and resilience.
The World Cup final halftime show was organised in partnership with FIFA and Global Citizen to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to expand access to education and sport for children worldwide.
