Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, stole the spotlight at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony as he joined global music stars Lisa of BLACKPINK and Brazilian singer Anitta for the first-ever live performance of their hit collaboration, Goals.
The spectacular performance took place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday night, officially launching the tournament in the co-host United States with a colourful showcase of music, culture and international unity.
Representing three continents—Africa, Asia and Latin America—the trio brought together Afrobeats, K-pop and Latin pop in a vibrant performance that reflected the global spirit of the FIFA World Cup.
Global Stars Unite on Football’s Biggest Stage
The Hollywood-style ceremony featured dazzling visuals, elaborate stage production and performances from some of the world's biggest entertainers, but it was the debut performance of Goals that emerged as one of the evening's defining moments.
Rema appeared on stage in a striking white hooded outfit, immediately drawing cheers from thousands of fans inside the stadium as he delivered his verse with trademark confidence and charisma.
Alongside Lisa and Anitta, the Nigerian singer energized the crowd with a performance that celebrated ambition, diversity and the unifying power of sport and music.
The collaboration showcased the growing influence of international music genres and highlighted the increasingly global appeal of Afrobeats, which continues to dominate charts and major stages around the world.
‘Goals’ Becomes a World Cup Favourite
Released in May as part of the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album, Goals quickly gained popularity among football and music fans alike.
The track was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Cirkut, alongside Bava and Pink Slip, and combines multiple musical influences into a single anthem designed to capture the excitement and aspirations associated with the World Cup.
Driven by infectious rhythms and uplifting lyrics, the song has been widely praised for reflecting the tournament's message of unity, determination and achievement.
Rema closes the song with a powerful Afrobeats-inspired rap verse, presenting himself as a relentless global force who continues to break barriers while "scoring goals" in both music and life.
His contribution has been singled out by fans as one of the standout moments on the track, further cementing his status as one of Africa's most influential music exports.
Another Major Milestone for Afrobeats
The performance represents another landmark achievement for Rema, whose international profile has continued to soar since the global success of Calm Down.
In recent years, the singer has become one of the leading faces of Afrobeats worldwide, performing on some of the biggest stages across Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East.
His appearance at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony places him among an elite group of artists chosen to perform at one of the most-watched sporting events on the planet.
For many Nigerian fans, the moment served as further evidence of Afrobeats' growing influence in global popular culture.
Nigerian Artists Continue to Shine at World Cup
Rema's appearance came less than 24 hours after another Nigerian music heavyweight, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, also made headlines at the tournament.
Burna Boy joined Colombian superstar Shakira during the opening ceremony in Mexico on Thursday, where the pair delivered the live debut of the tournament's official anthem, Dai Dai.
The back-to-back appearances by two of Nigeria's biggest music stars have drawn widespread praise on social media, with fans celebrating the country's strong representation at the global football spectacle.
Many observers noted that the performances highlight Nigeria's growing cultural influence and the increasing prominence of African artists on international platforms.
Star-Studded Ceremony Sets Tone for Tournament
Beyond Rema, Lisa and Anitta, the opening ceremony also featured performances from American rapper Future and South African sensation Tyla, creating a diverse lineup that reflected the tournament's global reach.
The event took place shortly before the United States opened its World Cup campaign against Paraguay, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most anticipated editions of the competition.
As the tournament gets underway, Rema's memorable performance of Goals is already being hailed as one of the standout moments of the opening celebrations—a powerful showcase of African talent on one of the world's biggest stages.
For the Nigerian star, it was another reminder that his journey from Benin City to global superstardom continues to break new ground, with the World Cup now added to an impressive list of international achievements.