Pauline OdhiamboAfrobeats heavyweight Davido has joined the league of top musicians to perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With stadiums spanning the USA, Mexico and Canada, the soundtrack is undeniably African.
Davido has been selected to headline the official FIFA World Cup Countdown Concert on 10 June in Los Angeles, United States.
Taking over the Crypto.com Arena alongside Diplo’s Major Lazer, the Nigerian star continues his reign as a global ambassador for the sound.
In its announcement on 2 June, FIFA said the Countdown Concert featuring Davido will be "a high energy celebration" and an "unforgettable night of music, football and culture".
But the African rhythm doesn’t stop there.
The opening ceremonies will feature a double dose of Gen Z energy.
South Africa’s Grammy-winning sensation Tyla will grace the stage in Mexico City on 11 June, before joining Afrobeats star Rema the following day at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles for the US opener.
However, the most heartwarming story perhaps belongs to Uganda’s Ghetto Kids.
These young dancers, who started their journey busking on the streets of Kampala’s Katwe slums, have landed the gig of a lifetime.
Global pop icon Shakira personally invited the dance troupe to join her for the World Cup Final half-time show in New Jersey on 19 July.
They will perform "Dai Dai," the tournament’s official anthem featuring Nigeria’s Grammy Award-winning star Burna Boy. Shakira and Burna Boy will also perform in Mexico City for the first of the three opening ceremonies.
From the streets of Kampala to one of the biggest platforms globally, one thing is clear: the global football tournament is shaping up to be Africa’s biggest party yet.
The continent will have a record 10 national football teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cabo Verde and the Democratic Republic of Congo form Africa’s formidable line-up.
While Cabo Verde are participating for the first time in their history, DRC are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
Blending music with football, the global tournament promises as much for Africa as for the rest of the world.
