Nigerian music stars Rema and Burna Boy have helped bring Afrobeats to the heart of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, delivering standout performances as the tournament officially got underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The appearances have strengthened Nigeria's growing influence on the global football stage and highlighted Afrobeats' continued rise around the world.
Rema was among the headline acts at the opening ceremony in Los Angeles, where he shared the stage with Brazilian pop star Anitta, South African singer Tyla, rapper Future, BLACKPINK's Lisa and pop icon Katy Perry before the United States' opening match against Paraguay.
The Nigerian singer's performance drew widespread praise from fans, with many celebrating the presence of Afrobeats on one of the world's biggest sporting stages.
Rema and Anitta also performed the official World Cup song, "Goals," during the ceremony.
Burna Boy and Shakira Light Up Mexico
A day earlier, Burna Boy had helped launch the tournament in Mexico City, where he performed alongside Colombian superstar Shakira at the historic Estadio Azteca.
The pair delivered "Dai Dai," one of the tournament's official anthems, during a colorful ceremony that featured music, dance and cultural displays celebrating the first World Cup to be hosted by three countries.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had said the ceremonies would "bring together music, culture and football in a way that reflects both the individuality of each nation and the unity that defines this tournament."
Nigerian Legacy on the World Cup Stage
With their appearances, Rema and Burna Boy joined legendary saxophonist and Afrobeat pioneer Femi Kuti as the only Nigerians known to have performed at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony.
Femi Kuti appeared during the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, becoming the first Nigerian artist to achieve the feat.
Nigerian superstar Davido also made his presence felt during the World Cup festivities. During a pre-ceremony appearance, the singer wore a jacket bearing the names of victims of a recent kidnapping incident in Oyo State, drawing attention to the tragedy while appearing before a global audience.
Afrobeats Continues Global Rise
The 2026 World Cup marks another milestone for Nigerian music, with Afrobeats now firmly embedded in major international events.
From Femi Kuti in South Africa to Burna Boy in Mexico and Rema in Los Angeles, Nigerian artists have continued to carry the country's sound to some of the biggest stages in world culture and sport.
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