Shakira, fascinated with Los Ghetto Kids, the Ugandan kids she will dance with in the World Cup final

Shakira has shared her excitement over reuniting with The Ghetto Kids, a group of Ugandan dance children who will join her during the halftime show at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The countdown to the July 19 match in the United States has begun, and the Colombian pop star revealed through social media that she spent time with the young performers in New York, including moments in Times Square and during a concert in New Jersey. The Ghetto Kids, a dance group based in Kampala, Uganda, have become a symbol of hope and creativity for many. They were initially part of a nonprofit organization that uses dance and performance arts to support abandoned and orphaned children. Their journey began with videos filmed in the streets of Kampala, which quickly gained international attention due to their energy and talent. The group later participated in the U.S. reality show America’s Got Talent, marking a significant step in their career. Now, they are set to take center stage at one of the largest sporting events in the world. The opportunity came after they responded to a call from Shakira for fans to submit videos dancing to the new World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai.” Their choreography impressed the singer, leading to their selection as special guests for the halftime show. The children expressed their enthusiasm for the chance to perform alongside one of Latin music’s most iconic figures. For eight-year-old Busingye Josephine Daniella, the experience represents more than just a performance, it’s a dream come true. She told AFP that they are eager to share their culture with the global audience. Similarly, 16-year-old Ssegirinyi Madwanah emphasized how performing with Shakira could open up new opportunities for them and other members of the group. The Ghetto Kids' participation in the World Cup final is expected to draw billions of viewers worldwide, offering them a platform to showcase their talents and stories. This exposure could help raise awareness about the challenges faced by vulnerable children in Uganda and potentially lead to increased support for the nonprofit organization behind the group. Kavuma Dauda, the founder of the organization, hopes that the international spotlight will enable the group to secure funding for a rehabilitation and education center aimed at helping children in need. He described the opportunity as a major milestone for both the group and himself, emphasizing its potential to transform lives. Shakira has been actively involved in planning the event, sharing videos of her time with the children and expressing her gratitude for their presence. Her collaboration with The Ghetto Kids highlights a growing trend of using cultural performances to bring attention to social issues and empower underrepresented communities. As the World Cup approaches, the anticipation continues to build, with all eyes on the moment when these young dancers will take the stage beside one of the world’s most celebrated artists.