Nigerian Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy is set to bring Afrobeats to another major global sporting platform after being announced as the headline performer for the halftime show of the 2026 NFL Paris Game.
The performance is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, where the Pittsburgh Steelers will face the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League’s first regular-season game in France.
Why Burna Boy’s NFL Paris Performance Matters
The upcoming appearance adds another major international performance to Burna Boy’s career while returning him to a venue where he previously achieved a significant milestone.
The singer performed at the Stade de France in April 2025, becoming the first African artiste to headline a solo concert at the stadium. According to the stadium, the April 18 concert sold all 80,000 tickets.
His return will now come in a different setting, with the Nigerian star taking the stage during an NFL regular-season game.
The NFL Paris Game will begin at 2:30 p.m. CEST (9:30 a.m. ET) and is being presented by American Express.
Burna Boy Reacts To Stade de France Return
Burna Boy said returning to the Paris venue for an event of such scale carries special significance because of the reception he received there during his 2025 concert.
Speaking to Billboard following the NFL announcement, the singer said the opportunity would allow him to represent African music on another international platform.
He said:
“Paris gave me one of the biggest nights of my career, and to walk back into Stade de France for a moment like this means everything.”
Burna Boy added that the NFL was bringing something new to France and said he intended to deliver a memorable performance while representing African music.
Why The NFL Chose Burna Boy
The NFL’s senior director of global game presentation, music and entertainment, Tim Tubito, said the significance of the league’s first regular-season game in France made the choice of halftime performer particularly important.
Tubito said Burna Boy was well suited to the occasion, while also pointing to the singer’s previous history at the Stade de France.
He also noted the importance of African music to Paris and the city’s music audience.
The selection therefore connects the NFL’s expansion into France with an artist who already has an established performance history at one of the country’s biggest stadiums.
Another Major International Milestone For Burna Boy
The NFL Paris appearance adds to a series of major international stages that have featured Burna Boy throughout his career.
The Nigerian singer won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021 for Twice As Tall.
He later performed at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show in Istanbul in 2023 and also appeared at the NBA All-Star Game that same year.
Burna Boy is also scheduled to perform alongside Shakira at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they are expected to perform their collaboration, “Dai Dai.”
His NFL appearance therefore represents another connection between his music career and major international sporting events.
Burna Boy Leads NFL’s 2026 International Entertainment Line-Up
The Paris performance is one of seven halftime shows planned for the NFL’s 2026 International Games across seven countries and four continents.
Other performers announced for the international games include:
- Ayra Starr for the London game;
- Jonas Brothers for Melbourne;
- Pedro Sampaio and Ricky Martin for Rio de Janeiro;
- Cage The Elephant for Munich; and
- The Warning for Mexico City.
Burna Boy’s Paris appearance and Ayra Starr’s London performance also place two Nigerian artistes among the artists selected for the NFL’s international programme.
Nigerian Artistes Continue To Appear On Global Sports Stages
Burna Boy’s NFL booking comes as other Nigerian musicians continue to secure performance opportunities at major international sporting events.
Davido performed at the closing ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, while Tems performed at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Rema performed at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, while Yemi Alade featured at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
The international presence also extends further back. Femi Kuti performed at the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, while D’banj performed at the 2013 AFCON closing ceremony.
Kizz Daniel and Patoranking also appeared at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Fan Festival in Qatar.
Other Nigerian artists have similarly appeared at major sports and entertainment platforms. Wizkid has performed at events including the inaugural World Tennis League and Gamers8, while Fireboy DML has featured at the BET Awards and had his song “Scatter” selected for the EA Sports FIFA 21 soundtrack.
What To Expect From Burna Boy At The NFL Paris Game
The NFL Paris Game will take place at the Stade de France on October 25, 2026, when the Pittsburgh Steelers meet the New Orleans Saints.
Burna Boy’s halftime appearance will give the Nigerian singer another opportunity to perform for an international sports audience, while his return to the Stade de France links the upcoming NFL event to his previous milestone at the stadium.
The NFL has not announced Burna Boy’s setlist or confirmed whether other performers will join him during the halftime show.
The game is being staged in partnership with GL events, with support from the French Ministry of Sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Burna Boy perform at the NFL Paris Game?
Burna Boy is scheduled to headline the halftime show at the NFL Paris Game on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
Where will Burna Boy perform at the NFL Paris Game?
The performance will take place at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France.
Which teams are playing in the NFL Paris Game?
The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the New Orleans Saints in the NFL’s first regular-season game in France.
Why is Burna Boy performing at the NFL Paris Game?
The NFL announced Burna Boy as the headline halftime performer for its first regular-season game in France. NFL executive Tim Tubito also highlighted the importance of the occasion, African music’s connection with Paris and Burna Boy’s previous history at the Stade de France.
Has Burna Boy performed at the Stade de France before?
Yes. Burna Boy performed a solo concert at the Stade de France on April 18, 2025, with all 80,000 tickets sold according to the stadium.
What other major sporting events has Burna Boy performed at?
Burna Boy performed at the 2023 UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show in Istanbul and the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. He is also scheduled to perform alongside Shakira at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Which other Nigerian artiste is performing at an NFL International Game in 2026?
Ayra Starr is scheduled to headline the halftime show at the NFL London Game on October 11, 2026, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Has Burna Boy’s setlist been announced?
No. Details of the setlist and whether Burna Boy will be joined by additional performers have not been announced.
What Happens Next
Burna Boy’s next Stade de France appearance will come on October 25, 2026, when he takes the halftime stage during the NFL Paris Game.
The performance will add another major international sporting platform to his career and comes after his previous record-setting concert at the same stadium.
For now, details of the setlist and any possible guest appearances remain unconfirmed.
