Uganda’s Ghetto Kids World Cup performance has become another defining moment in the group’s remarkable rise after the young dancers joined Colombian superstar Shakira during the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The Kampala-born dance troupe also shared the stage with Nigerian music star Burna Boy as they performed the tournament’s official anthem, “Dai Dai,” before a global audience during the final between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026.
For a group whose journey began with dance videos filmed on the streets of Kampala, the appearance marked another international milestone in a career that has steadily grown over the past decade.
According to Ghetto Kids, the opportunity came after Shakira watched a clip of the group’s improvised choreography to her song “Zoo” from the Zootopia 2 movie.
The group said that performance ultimately led to an invitation to appear alongside the Colombian singer during the FIFA World Cup halftime show.
Sharing moments from the event with their 9.8 million Instagram followers, the dancers reflected on what the experience meant to them.
“Dreams really do come true. Performing at the World Cup Halftime Show with Shakira was an experience. We will carry with us for a lifetime”
The performance also featured Burna Boy, with the trio performing “Dai Dai,” the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The World Cup appearance is the latest chapter in Ghetto Kids’ international journey.
The dance collective first attracted worldwide attention in 2014 after appearing in Eddy Kenzo’s hit music video for “Sitya Loss.”
That breakthrough introduced audiences around the world to the energetic young performers from Kampala.
Years later, the group expanded its international profile through its appearance on Britain’s Got Talent in 2023.
Their latest appearance on one of football’s biggest stages now adds another major achievement to a career built on viral performances and global opportunities.
The story also illustrates the growing role social media continues to play in connecting artists across continents.
According to the group, Shakira’s invitation followed her viewing of their dance video featuring choreography to her song, creating an opportunity that eventually placed them on the FIFA World Cup stage.
The performance quickly generated positive reactions from fans on Instagram.
Many congratulated the dancers for representing Uganda on one of the world’s biggest entertainment platforms.
One supporter, identified as daniellebilumbu, wrote: “OMG! I am so proud of you. Dream really come true! The show amazing. God keep favoring you today and always, Shakira you are an angel,”
Another fan, Dr Babe, celebrated the achievement while sending support from Zambia. “I was so happy to see this! It meant so much to me, Sending you love from Zambia ,”
Another Instagram user, Kate actress, expressed hope that the group’s success would continue to change their lives. “We want to see the lives of these talented kids transform. We love you,”
The messages reflected widespread appreciation for a Ugandan dance group performing alongside internationally recognised artists during one of the world’s most watched sporting events.
For now, Ghetto Kids have shared their World Cup experience through Instagram, giving fans a glimpse of the performance that placed them alongside Shakira and Burna Boy.
Several details surrounding the appearance remain unconfirmed. The exact date they received the invitation has not been disclosed.
It has also not been confirmed whether the invitation came directly from Shakira or through her management team.
There has likewise been no official announcement regarding future collaborations involving Shakira, Burna Boy and Ghetto Kids.
The duration of the group’s halftime performance and any commercial arrangements connected to the appearance have also not been made public.
The Ghetto Kids World Cup performance represents another important milestone for the Ugandan dance group that first captured attention through street performances before reaching international audiences with Sitya Loss and Britain’s Got Talent.
Their appearance alongside Shakira and Burna Boy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup halftime show demonstrates how a journey that began on the streets of Kampala has continued to open doors onto some of the world’s biggest stages, while earning admiration from fans celebrating yet another proud moment for Ugandan talent.
