Nigerian-Beninese singer Ayra Starr is set to become the first African artist to headline the halftime show at an international National Football League (NFL) game when the Philadelphia Eagles face the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The performance will take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the NFL’s Week 5 regular-season game. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.
Speaking to BBC Newsbeat ahead of the show, Ayra Starr described the opportunity as a message. She said artists have a role in representing their culture and the people who listen to their music.
The singer also confirmed that her halftime set will include songs from her third studio album, Starrgirl, which was released on August 14, 2026. She said she was still rehearsing ahead of the performance.
The appearance gives Afrobeats another major platform in international sports. The NFL has included live music performances in its international games as it continues to reach audiences outside the United States.
Ayra Starr has become one of the leading names in Afrobeats, with songs such as “Bloody Samaritan,” “Rush” and “Gimme Dat” helping her reach listeners around the world. She has also received Grammy nominations and won the BET Award for Best International Act.
The Eagles and Jaguars game is part of the NFL’s 2026 international schedule. The NFL says the full halftime performance will be broadcast free-to-air in the UK on Channel 5 and on Sky Sports. Its game preview lists NFL Network and NFL+ among the viewing options for the US broadcast.
With her performance approaching, Ayra Starr is preparing to bring African music to the halftime stage at one of the NFL’s international games. The show is expected to draw attention from both football fans and Afrobeats listeners.
