Ayra Starr, the Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer, will headline the halftime show at the 2026 National Football League (NFL) game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars in London.
The performance will take place on October 11 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Starr will make history as the first major African artist to headline an NFL halftime show.
Why the NFL chose Ayra Starr
The NFL announced the performance on Thursday.
The league described Starr as the “first-ever Afrobeats artist to headline an NFL game.”
Her selection highlights the growing global reach of Afrobeats. It also reflects the NFL’s focus on music during its international games.
Tim Tubito, the NFL’s senior director of global game presentation, music and entertainment, called Starr a “generational talent”.
He also praised her connection with fans in London.
“London is one of the most influential music cities in the world, and African music has been at the centre of that conversation for years now,” Tubito said.
“Ayra Starr is a generational talent with a real connection to fans in this market, and building on the halftime shows we have staged in London in recent seasons, she is the right artist to carry that momentum forward.
“We look forward to collaborating with her on a performance that captures the energy that matches the moment.”
Ayra Starr reacts to NFL opportunity
Starr also confirmed the announcement and called the performance a “dream come true”.
“I am so excited to perform at the NFL halftime show in London,” she said.
“London is one of my favourite places in the world and to bring Starrgirl to the NFL global stage is a dream come true for me. I can’t wait to see you guys there!”
The NFL performance will give Starr another major international platform.
The show comes after the release of her third studio album, Starrgirl.
When is the NFL London game?
The 2026 NFL London Game will begin at 2:30 pm British Summer Time on October 11.
The Philadelphia Eagles will face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The NFL has included the halftime show in its 2026 International Games programme.
The league said American Express will present seven halftime shows during the international games.
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