By Karim Were
Uganda’s Ghetto Kids reached a new milestone in their remarkable journey after captivating millions of viewers with a performance at the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show.
The young dancers took to the stage at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey during halftime of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, sharing the spotlight with international music icons Shakira and Burna Boy.
Advertisiment 
Wearing vibrant orange outfits, the Kampala-based troupe delivered an energetic performance that blended dance, Afrobeats, Latin rhythms and pop music, helping transform the halftime break into a global celebration of culture and entertainment.
The show also featured appearances by world-renowned artists including Justin Bieber, Madonna and members of BTS, making it one of the most star-studded halftime productions in football history.
For the Ghetto Kids, the performance marked the culmination of weeks of preparation. Ahead of the final, the dancers rehearsed extensively with Shakira and Burna Boy, with behind-the-scenes videos showing the group sharing memorable moments with the global stars as they prepared for the historic event.
Their participation came despite earlier uncertainty caused by Ebola-related travel restrictions affecting travellers from Uganda. After concerns that they could miss the opportunity, the troupe was eventually cleared to travel to the United States, allowing them to complete rehearsals and take part in the landmark show.
The invitation followed months of excitement after Shakira selected the Ghetto Kids to join her performance of **Dai Dai**, the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which also features Burna Boy. Their energetic dance routines to the song had attracted global attention, earning them a place on one of the world’s biggest stages.
The performance quickly became a talking point online, with fans from across the world praising the dancers’ energy, confidence and talent. Many described the moment as a proud achievement for Uganda and a powerful showcase of African creativity before one of the largest global television audiences.
Founded by Dauda Kavuma, the Ghetto Kids have grown from a community dance group in Kampala into one of Uganda’s most recognised entertainment acts. Their rise has included viral dance videos, an appearance in French Montana’s *Unforgettable* music video and a memorable run to the finals of *Britain’s Got Talent* after receiving the Golden Buzzer in 2023.
While Spain went on to defeat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the FIFA World Cup title, the Ghetto Kids also created history of their own, delivering a performance that highlighted Uganda’s talent on one of the biggest sporting and entertainmentstages in the world.
