TAKEAWAYS

• Ghetto Kids are staying at the same hotel as Lionel Messi and Argentina ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
• The Ugandan dance group will perform with Shakira during FIFA’s first-ever official World Cup halftime show.
• Manager Dauda Kavuma described the opportunity as God’s blessing and thanked the Ugandan government for its continued support.

The Triplets Ghetto Kids are living a dream in the United States after manager Dauda Kavuma revealed that the celebrated Ugandan dance group is staying at the same hotel as Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19.

Argentina, led by Messi, will face Spain in one of the most anticipated World Cup finals in history, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal expected to headline Spain’s charge.

The final will also make history by featuring the FIFA World Cup’s first-ever official halftime show, inspired by the iconic Super Bowl entertainment spectacle. Colombian superstar Shakira will headline the performance, with the Ghetto Kids joining the global stage.

The Ugandan dance troupe was originally expected to perform during the opening ceremony after appearing in Shakira’s World Cup anthem “Dai Dai alongside Burna Boy, but the opportunity did not materialise. They have now been given the honour of performing during the tournament’s grand finale instead.

“We are so happy. This has been God’s work from the very beginning. We have walked this journey with only God, and we thank Him for every blessing,” Dauda Kavuma said.

Kavuma also revealed that more members of the Ghetto Kids are expected to join the group ahead of the performance. However, dancer Patricia Nabakooza, who currently lives in the United States, will not be part of the performance because she is focused on her studies after not securing leave.

“We also continue to stand with the family of our brother Alex. They remain in our prayers, and we appreciate the support the Government of Uganda has continued to give us over the years,” Kavuma added.

The Ghetto Kids have become one of Uganda’s biggest entertainment exports, earning international recognition through performances on global television shows, collaborations with international artists and appearances at major events.

Their latest appearance at the FIFA World Cup final marks yet another milestone for Ugandan talent on the world stage.