For the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey, Shakira has decided to bring on stage a group that comes from a completely different world compared to the glittering stadiums of global football. These are the Ghetto Kids, a collective born in Uganda and made up of children from the working-class neighborhoods of Kampala.
The decision was confirmed by Shakira herself through her social channels, where she explained that she wanted to make the final show an event “special” And “unforgettableThe group, known for its viral choreographies and strong presence on social media, had already entered the pop star’s radar after participating in the videos linked to the official song of the tournament. Come on, come onmade together with Burna Boy.
View this post on Instagram
When the very young dancers learned that Shakira wanted them on the final stage, their reaction of joy was uncontrollable:
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
From the streets of Kampala to the most watched stage in the world
The history of Ghetto Kids starts far away from the international spotlight. The group was founded in 2014 by Dauda Kavuma with the aim of giving children from the most disadvantaged areas of Uganda an opportunity through dance and music.
Many of the members grew up in the difficult contexts of Kampala’s slums, but thanks to their choreographic talent they have managed to emerge online, gaining millions of views. Their first big viral hit came with a video about Sitya Losswhich quickly brought them to international attention.
In the following years they have collected important appearances, also collaborating with global artists and arriving on stages such as those linked to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and highly visible television programs.
The cultural and global meaning of choice
The presence of Ghetto Kids at the 2026 World Cup final represents more than just a musical performance. It is the result of a journey that combines sport, music and social impact, in an event that will be followed by billions of spectators around the world. The performance will be built around the song Come on, come onthe official soundtrack of the tournament, which mixes Afrobeat, pop and reggaeton sounds, and which finances global educational initiatives through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
For Ghetto Kids, it’s a symbolic leap from the streets of Kampala to the most watched stage on the planet. For Shakira, however, it is a further step in her long history of performances that unite pop culture and global identities, transforming the World Cup final into something that goes beyond football itself.
You might also be interested in:
