Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr is set to make history on the international stage after being selected to headline the halftime show at the 2026 NFL London Game.
The Nigerian singer will perform during the highly anticipated encounter between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars, scheduled to take place on October 11 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
The National Football League announced the development on Thursday, with Ayra Starr also confirming the news through her official social media account.
The performance is expected to mark a significant moment for African music, as Ayra Starr will become the first major African artist to headline an NFL halftime show.
Expressing her excitement about the opportunity, the singer said performing in London had always been special to her and described the chance to take her fans, known as “Starrgirl,” to the global NFL platform as a dream come true.
The NFL also disclosed that the London performance is part of a wider entertainment programme for its 2026 International Games. American Express is scheduled to present seven halftime shows across seven countries and four continents.
According to the league’s Senior Director of Global Game Presentation, Music and Entertainment, Tim Tubito, Ayra Starr was chosen because of her growing international profile and strong connection with London’s music audience.
He noted that African music has become an important part of the global music conversation, making the Nigerian star an appropriate choice for the event.
Ayra Starr’s appearance will further highlight the growing international influence of Afrobeats, particularly as Nigerian artistes continue to secure major platforms outside Africa.
The 2026 NFL London Game will begin at 2:30 p.m. British Summer Time on October 11, with the Philadelphia Eagles taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The event is expected to attract football and music audiences from different parts of the world, with Ayra Starr’s performance adding an African touch to one of the NFL’s major international fixtures.