Afrobeats superstar Davido delivered an energetic performance at the opening concert of the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown series while using the global platform to draw attention to the plight of abducted schoolchildren in Nigeria.
The event, held at the iconic Crypto.com Arena, officially launched a coordinated concert series across the three host nations of the tournament — the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Davido thrilled fans with performances of some of his popular songs, including Unavailable and With You. He later returned to the stage alongside Major Lazer to perform the World Cup anthem, No Place Like Home.
Beyond the music, the singer made a strong statement through his outfit. His black jacket featured 46 green lapels bearing the names of the 39 pupils and seven teachers who were recently kidnapped in Oyo State. The back of the jacket carried the message, “Bring Them Home.”
The abduction occurred on May 15 when suspected bandits attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area, taking away dozens of students and teachers. The incident triggered widespread condemnation and protests led by the Nigerian Union of Teachers and other concerned groups.
By displaying the names of the victims on an international stage, Davido spotlighted the ongoing crisis and called attention to efforts aimed at securing their release.
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Prompt News reports FIFA said the concert series will connect performances from Los Angeles, Toronto and Mexico City into one shared experience, bringing together artists from the three host countries.
Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian star Rema is expected to perform at the official opening ceremony alongside Future, Katy Perry, Tyla and LISA.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026, with the opening match taking place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
