FIFA president considers a Drake performance for 2026 World Cup halftime show: “We can create a bit of a rivalry”

Gianni Infantino hints at a potential Drake World Cup performance, fuelling speculation of a rap rivalry moment.

Photo: Reuters

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is open to the idea of Drake performing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following his recent remarks on Good Day New York.

During the interview, host Rosanna Scotto suggested the idea of Drake headlining the World Cup Halftime Show, referencing the rapper’s ongoing tensions with Kendrick Lamar, who performed at the Super Bowl LIX.

“I have a great idea for you for the halftime,” Scotto said to Infantino. “Drake. Because you were at the Super Bowl—Kendrick Lamar dissed him at the Super Bowl.”

Infantino, intrigued, responded, “So we can create a bit of a rivalry?”

“Yes,” Scotto replied enthusiastically.

“That’s a good idea,” Infantino said. “Actually, Drake was with us when we announced the host cities. I should have his number saved somewhere.”

Drake has previously expressed excitement for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, the US, and Mexico. He praised Toronto, where the opening match will take place on June 12, 2026.

Fans took to social media to react to the possibility of Drake’s performance at the FIFA World Cup. Some claimed Drake would become the winner of the rap rivalry between him and Lamar since the World Cup is more popular worldwide than the Super Bowl. Others, especially Americans, were less fazed by the news.

The world cup is way bigger than the SuperBowl if this actually happens Drake won afterall https://t.co/sgGadPFYkR

— kira 👾 (@kirawontmiss) March 6, 2025

only difference is the only thing drake can call Kendrick is short…

— cnr (@cnrHTK) March 6, 2025

Family matters at World Cup is wild ngl, that’s like 1.2 billion people ☠️

— Evolve ✧ (@xqevolve) March 6, 2025

Performing “One Dance” with a backtrack is a winning strategy for a rap battle now?

— yaya (@PhucShuMeanMane) March 6, 2025

Aren’t no way FIFA is getting involved with the beef now 😭 pic.twitter.com/JZU9b0mKfG

— Global Index (@TheGlobal_Index) March 6, 2025

We don’t care about the World Cup in America

— Dat_boy_13 (@Dat_boyE_13) March 6, 2025

While a Drake performance remains unconfirmed, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey have been tapped to curate the first-ever FIFA World Cup Halftime Show, set for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

“This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup,” Infantino announced at a press event in Dallas.

With the FIFA World Cup final drawing 1.6 billion viewers, a Drake performance could eclipse the Super Bowl’s 123 million audience, making it a landmark moment in both sports and music.