“Could FIFA create a rap rivalry at the World Cup? FIFA’s big plans for Drake and Kendrick Lamar may be the start of something huge!”

Drake Could Headline the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Drake, the internationally renowned rapper from Toronto, is known for his powerful influence on music and culture. Now, the possibility of him performing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has fans buzzing. The idea started gaining traction after FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke about it in a recent interview, teasing the idea that Drake could take center stage at the event, not just as a spectator but as a performer. This could signal the beginning of something groundbreaking in the intersection of sports and entertainment.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place across North America, with the tournament being hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. For the first time, three countries will be part of this massive global event. The inclusion of a major musical performance could draw an even bigger crowd, expanding the tournament’s already massive global reach.

Given Drake’s strong connection to Toronto and his status as one of the world’s biggest musical superstars, having him headline the World Cup’s festivities could generate immense excitement and push the event into a new era of entertainment value.

Infantino Reacts to Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar Feud

During an appearance on FOX 5’s Good Day New York on March 6, 2025, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was asked about the possibility of Drake performing at the World Cup, following a suggestion from co-host Rosanna Scotto. Scotto pointed out the ongoing feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, particularly mentioning Kendrick Lamar’s diss at the Super Bowl.

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

Infantino responded with humor, acknowledging the long-standing rivalry between the two rap superstars. The idea of creating an even bigger spectacle by bringing their feud into the World Cup’s halftime show could elevate the drama and excitement surrounding the tournament.

“So we can create a bit of a rivalry,” Infantino joked. “That’s a good idea. Actually, Drake was with us when we announced the host cities. I should have his number saved somewhere.”

This comment suggests that Infantino is not just acknowledging the rap rivalry but also thinking about how to turn it into a global spectacle during one of the world’s most-watched sporting events. Could Drake and Kendrick Lamar face off in the ultimate entertainment showdown, bringing an entirely new level of excitement to the World Cup?

FIFA’s Grand Vision for the 2026 Halftime Show

In most FIFA World Cups, the halftime shows are far more subdued compared to the extravagant shows of the Super Bowl. However, Gianni Infantino has hinted that the 2026 World Cup will be different, with plans for a much larger and more elaborate halftime experience.

Infantino has revealed that Chris Martin, the frontman of Coldplay, will be producing the event, promising to deliver an unforgettable spectacle. This hints at the possibility of an entirely new experience, blending music, sports, and entertainment in a way never seen before at the World Cup.

“We’re thinking big,” Infantino shared. “We’ll have 2 billion viewers from every corner of the world. It’s like 20 times the Super Bowl. So, we are very excited about that.”

This statement not only emphasizes the global scale of the event but also suggests that FIFA is preparing to make the 2026 World Cup the most significant tournament in its history. If Drake were to take the stage, it would not only elevate the halftime show but also add to the global excitement surrounding the competition.

With over 2 billion viewers expected to tune in from all over the world, FIFA has the opportunity to turn the World Cup into more than just a sporting event—it could become an entertainment juggernaut that combines the power of football and music.

Toronto to Host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Opener

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a historic tournament, with Toronto playing a crucial role in its opening match. The city will host the tournament’s opening game on June 12, 2026, marking a monumental event for Canada and the world of football. Toronto, known for its cultural diversity and strong ties to music, could provide a perfect backdrop for Drake’s performance.

Drake, an outspoken advocate for his home city, has often celebrated Toronto’s influence on the global stage. He has highlighted the city’s multiculturalism as one of its defining features, making it an ideal setting for the World Cup’s opening festivities.

“Canada as a whole, we have an incredible melting pot. But in Toronto, there are just so many different cultural experiences. So when the world comes, it’s going to be beautiful.”

This shows that Drake’s connection to Toronto goes far beyond just being his hometown. He views the city as a representation of Canada’s global influence. As the World Cup draws near, it’s clear that Drake and Toronto are poised to play a major role in what could become the most memorable World Cup opening in history.

Host Cities Across North America

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest tournament in the competition’s history, as it will be hosted across three countries—Canada, the United States, and Mexico. In addition to Toronto and Vancouver, eleven U.S. cities will host World Cup matches. These cities include:

• Los Angeles
• Miami
• Atlanta
• Seattle
• Houston
• Philadelphia
• Kansas City
• Boston
• Dallas
• San Francisco (Bay Area)
• Greater New York City Area

These host cities represent a diverse cross-section of North American culture, and each one will offer its own unique atmosphere to the World Cup experience. Whether it’s the glamorous appeal of Los Angeles or the vibrant energy of Miami, each city will contribute to making the 2026 World Cup one of the most culturally rich tournaments in history.

With such a massive and varied range of host cities, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be more than just a football tournament. The inclusion of musical performances, particularly by Drake, could elevate this event to new heights of entertainment and global appeal.

Drake at the 2026 World Cup—A Game-Changer?

As the excitement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup builds, the prospect of Drake performing at the event adds another level of intrigue to the tournament. With FIFA’s plans for an unforgettable halftime show and the potential involvement of Kendrick Lamar, this World Cup could rewrite the rules for how sports and music intersect.

Whether Infantino and FIFA decide to fully embrace the idea remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure—the 2026 World Cup is set to be a game-changer, blending the worlds of football, music, and global entertainment. If Drake does headline the halftime show, it will be a moment to remember for fans of both sports and music alike.

The stage is set for something extraordinary—will Drake and Kendrick Lamar bring their rivalry to the world’s biggest stage? The anticipation is already building, and we can’t wait to see what happens next.