The stage is set for more than just football at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and it might just get a lot more personal. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is considering bringing Canadian rap superstar Drake on board for the tournament’s halftime show, potentially fueling his ongoing rivalry with Kendrick Lamar.
In an interview on Good Day New York, Infantino entertained the idea after the show’s host, Rosanna Scotto, suggested Drake’s performance could make for an electrifying cultural moment.
“I have a great idea for you for the halftime; Drake,” Scotto proposed, referring to the well-publicized lyrical feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. “Because you were at the Super Bowl. Kendrick Lamar dissed him at the Super Bowl. Drake comes back for a bit of a rivalry.”
Infantino’s response? He was immediately on board. “That’s a good idea,” he said with a smile. “Actually, Drake was with us when we announced the host cities. I should have his number saved somewhere.”
The lighthearted exchange took on a more serious note when Infantino hinted at the possibility of making it happen. “We will do that,” he said when Scotto joked about wanting a front-row seat for the negotiations.
If this plan moves forward, it could mark one of the most talked-about halftime performances in World Cup history. The rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has dominated headlines since 2024, with Lamar’s cutting tracks like Meet the Grahams and Not Like Us widely seen as victories in their ongoing back-and-forth.
Lamar’s powerful performances at the 2025 Grammy Awards and his show-stealing set at the Super Bowl Halftime Show only intensified the conversation, making the prospect of Drake’s appearance at the World Cup even more tantalizing.
FIFA’s move toward a Super Bowl-style halftime show marks a significant shift for the tournament, known more for its on-the-pitch drama than its entertainment breaks. But with the 2026 World Cup set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the event is already shaping up to be bigger and bolder than ever before.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, one thing’s for sure: if Drake takes the stage, the world won’t just be watching the game. They’ll be watching the rivalry.
