Uganda’s celebrated dance troupe, the Triplets Ghetto Kids, are set for yet another defining moment on the global stage after international pop superstar Shakira invited them to perform during the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The Katwe-based dancers will perform alongside Shakira during the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where the Colombian singer is expected to headline the show with “Dai Dai,” the official tournament anthem she recorded with Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy.
Shakira revealed the invitation in a video message while reacting to viral dance clips inspired by the World Cup anthem.
In the message, she singled out the Ugandan dance group as part of the performers she wants to feature at football’s biggest event.
“I have already invited the Ghetto Kids from Uganda. I would really want to see all your creations and videos,” she said, while encouraging fans around the world to participate in the dance challenge linked to the song.
For the Ghetto Kids, the invitation marks another milestone in a journey that has transformed them from street dancers in Kampala’s Katwe suburb into internationally recognised performers.
Over the years, the group has steadily built a reputation for energetic choreography, resilience and viral appeal.
Their breakthrough came in 2017 after appearing in rapper French Montana’s hit music video “Unforgettable,” which amassed millions of views globally and introduced the young dancers to an international audience.
The exposure opened doors to performances across Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
In 2022, the troupe became the first Ugandan children’s dance group to perform at a FIFA World Cup event during the tournament in Qatar, where they entertained guests and dignitaries ahead of matches.
A year later, the dancers captured global attention again during their appearance on Britain's Got Talent. Their audition earned a rare mid-performance Golden Buzzer from judge Bruno Tonioli, sending them straight to the live shows before they eventually reached the finals.
Beyond television and football stages, the group has continued to represent Uganda at major international and regional events, including children’s advocacy campaigns, cultural festivals and peace concerts.
Their performances have frequently showcased themes of hope, talent development and youth empowerment.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the first edition expanded to 48 teams.
The tournament final in New Jersey is expected to attract one of the largest global television audiences in sporting history.
For Uganda, the Ghetto Kids’ appearance at the final halftime show will add another chapter to the country’s growing visibility on the international entertainment scene, with the young dancers once again carrying the national flag onto one of the world’s grandest platforms.
