Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, delivered one of the standout moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, sharing the stage with BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Brazilian pop sensation Anitta for the live debut of their hit collaboration, Goals.
The electrifying performance took place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday night, setting the tone for the tournament as the United States launched its World Cup campaign.
Representing Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the trio blended Afrobeats, K-pop, and Latin pop in a vibrant display of music and culture that captivated fans around the world.
Dressed in a striking white hooded outfit, Rema commanded attention as he performed alongside the two global stars during the Hollywood-inspired spectacle.
Released in May as part of the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album, “Goals” was produced by Grammy-winning producer Cirkut, with contributions from Bava and Pink Slip. The track has quickly become a fan favourite, thanks to its energetic sound and uplifting message.
Rema’s closing verse showcases his signature Afrobeats style, with the “Calm Down” hitmaker portraying himself as a unique and unstoppable force “scoring goals” both in music and in life.
The ceremony also featured performances by American rapper Future and South African music sensation Tyla, adding more star power to the event.
Rema’s appearance came just a day after fellow Nigerian music icon Burna Boy joined Colombian superstar Shakira for the live debut of the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai,” during the tournament’s opening ceremony in Mexico.
The performances by Rema and Burna Boy further underline the growing influence of Afrobeats on the global stage, with Nigerian artists continuing to play a central role in one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
