Davido, Tyla, Rema and Ghetto Kids Set for 2026 FIFA World Cup Shows with Strong African Presence

Davido will headline the 2026 FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert in Los Angeles, with Tyla, Rema, and Uganda’s Ghetto Kids also set to perform at major World Cup events. The tournament will feature strong African representation in both music and football, with 10 African teams qualified.

Afrobeats superstar Davido has been confirmed among the leading performers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup entertainment lineup, marking another major moment for African music on the global stage. He is set to headline the official FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert on 10 June in Los Angeles at the Crypto.com Arena, where he will perform alongside international acts including Diplo’s Major Lazer. FIFA described the concert as a high-energy event designed to blend football, music, and global culture in the build-up to the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is already being shaped as a major cultural showcase, with African artists playing a prominent role across its key events. South African singer Tyla, one of the continent’s fast-rising global stars, is scheduled to perform at the opening ceremony in Mexico City on 11 June. The following day in Los Angeles, Nigerian Afrobeats artist Rema will also take the stage at SoFi Stadium for the US opener, further reinforcing the genre’s growing global influence.
Adding to the excitement, Uganda’s Ghetto Kids will also feature in one of the most high-profile moments of the tournament. The dance troupe, which rose from performing in the streets of Kampala’s Katwe slums to international recognition, was personally invited by global pop star Shakira to join her during the World Cup final half-time show in New Jersey on 19 July. They are expected to perform “Dai Dai,” the official tournament anthem, which also features Nigerian Grammy Award-winning artist Burna Boy. Shakira and Burna Boy are also expected to collaborate on stage during the opening ceremonies in Mexico City.
Beyond the music performances, the tournament is also expected to highlight Africa’s growing football presence, with a record 10 African nations qualifying for the 2026 edition. The teams include Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cabo Verde, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Cabo Verde will be making their first-ever World Cup appearance, while DR Congo returns to the tournament for the first time since 1974.
With a mix of global music stars, historic football participation, and cultural showcases, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a landmark event where African influence is strongly felt both on and off the pitch.