They started on the streets of Kampala and now, Ugandaโs Ghetto Kids are heading for the biggest stage in world football.
The popular dance group is set to perform alongside Colombian pop superstar Shakira at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final in New Jersey on 19 July, placing them at the heart of one of the most-watched events on the planet.
The announcement was made by Shakira herself in a video shared on her official Instagram account on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.
She confirmed the Ghetto Kids' scheduled participation while speaking about the tournamentโs official song, "Dai Dai", featuring Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy.
The track blends Afrobeats, dance-pop, world music, and reggae tones, capturing the global energy of a tournament set to span three countries: the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
High-energy performance
Running from 11 June to 19 July across 16 cities, the competition will culminate in New Jersey, where the Ghetto Kids are expected to bring their signature high-energy performance to the final stage.
For the youngsters, this moment marks another major milestone in a journey that began in the Katwe slums of Kampala.
The group was founded in 2014 by Ugandan dance teacher Dauda Kavuma, bringing together children who use dance as a way to express themselves and open up new opportunities.
They first captured global attention after a homemade dance video to Eddy Kenzoโs hit song "Sitya Loss" went viral.
Since then, they have steadily risen to new heights. They have appeared in French Montanaโs "Unforgettable" music video, performed on major global platforms, and were featured in events linked to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, marking an earlier connection to footballโs biggest tournament.
In 2023, they earned a Golden Buzzer on Britainโs Got Talent, further cementing their place as one of Africaโs most dynamic dance groups.
Now, with millions expected to tune in for the World Cup final, the Ghetto Kids are preparing to turn their story into a global celebration.
