On December 5, the grand draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., took on a vibrant Caribbean flair. Lauryn Hill, YG Marley and Zion Marley were among the standout performers, adding a soulful reggae energy to the global football event.
Hill took the stage backed by a full band, delivering powerful renditions of classics such as “Lost Ones” and “Doo Wop (That Thing).” Mid-performance, she paused to honor reggae icon Bob Marley, acknowledging his deep love of football before calling up her sons — and Bob Marley’s grandsons — YG and Zion Marley to join her. Their collaborative performance fused Hill’s signature soul with the brothers’ reggae fire, creating one of the evening’s most memorable moments.
For YG Marley, the event came amid his rising global visibility. His debut single Praise Jah in the Moonlight — co-written with Hill and sampling Bob Marley & The Wailers — became the first reggae track in seven years to enter the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 74 before gaining international traction.
The musical tribute also resonated strongly with Caribbean fans, especially as the region prepares for unprecedented representation at the upcoming tournament. Haiti and Curaçao have already secured automatic qualification, guaranteeing historic appearances. If Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz clinch a spot through the inter-confederation playoff, they will join Group K alongside football powerhouses Portugal, Colombia and Uzbekistan.
With matches set across stadiums in the United States, Canada and Mexico, many Caribbean supporters living in North America see a rare chance to experience the World Cup in person.
The inclusion of headline musical performances at the draw signals a broader shift for FIFA. For the first time, the organization is leaning fully into the World Cup as a global cultural showcase. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the 2026 final in New Jersey will feature a major halftime show modeled after the NFL, blending world-class sport with world-class entertainment.
