Burna Boy said performing at the first World Cup final halftime show was a major moment.
“To represent Africa on the first-ever Fifa World Cup final halftime show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly,” he said.
The show will even feature characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets.
Justin Bieber is the latest superstar to join the cast for the halftime show. Photo / Getty Images
Before today’s announcement, there had been concern about the length of the show impacting the football game.
Fifa had previously faced questions over whether a Super Bowl-style performance could stretch the halftime break beyond the regulation 15 minutes, with last year’s Club World Cup final at the same stadium running 24 minutes, according to Sky Sport.
However Fifa revealed today the halftime show would be 11 minutes long.
The show would support the Fifa Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise US$100 million ($175m) to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide.
Fifa said more than US$50m ($88m) had already been raised for the fund, including US$1 from every ticket sold to Fifa World Cup 2026 matches.
Madonna will take the stage along with Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS. Photo / Getty Images
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said Bieber’s addition strengthened what he described as a “groundbreaking spectacle” designed to blend football, music and social impact.
The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is the largest in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 teams.
The kick off for final is scheduled for 7am on July 20 (New Zealand time) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.