The 2026 FIFA World Cup final broke new ground on Sunday, making history not only because of the action on the field but also by introducing the tournament’s first-ever halftime show.
International music icons Burna Boy, Shakira, Madonna, BTS, and Justin Bieber headlined the groundbreaking spectacle, delivering a performance watched by billions of people around the world.
Adding to the unforgettable occasion, Uganda’s celebrated dance troupe, the Ghetto Kids, shared the stage with Shakira and Burna Boy for a performance of Dai Dai.
Their appearance quickly gained widespread attention online, winning admiration from audiences across the globe.
How much did Burna Boy, Shakira earn?
Spanish publication Marca reported that the payment structure for the World Cup halftime show follows the same model used for the NFL’s Super Bowl halftime performance.
While FIFA takes responsibility for production expenses and logistical arrangements, the performers are not paid a fixed fee for taking the stage.
Rather than receiving direct payment, the artists benefit from the enormous worldwide exposure, which typically leads to significant increases in music streams, concert ticket sales, and commercial endorsements.
Although performers including Shakira, Madonna, BTS, and Justin Bieber receive a modest rehearsal stipend, the halftime performance itself is not compensated.
Why Ghetto Kids won’t be paid by FIFA
The Ghetto Kids were not contracted by FIFA to participate in the halftime show. Instead, Shakira personally invited the Ugandan dance group to appear during her performance, meaning any financial compensation would be a private arrangement between the dancers and the Colombian superstar.
Even after performing at what many consider the biggest stage in football, the group disclosed that they did not have tickets to watch the final itself.
Speaking in an interview with MDMotivator on Instagram, they said: “We don’t know where we will go after the performance.”
The debut halftime show represents a significant milestone for FIFA, bringing together football and live entertainment in a format similar to the Super Bowl.
For the featured performers, the greatest reward is not a performance fee but the worldwide visibility that can fuel chart success, media attention, and new business opportunities in the days and weeks that follow.
