FIFA has an interest in escalating the Drake verses Kendrick Lamar battle on the world’s biggest sports stage.

Drake lost the Kendrick Lamar battle in 2024. The rapper was roundhouse kicked by “Meet the Grahams” and “Not Like Us.” Lamar has not made it easy on him in 2025, dominating the Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl Halftime Show. K. Dot’s album is even competing with Drake’s on the Billboard charts despite coming out months ago. But the battle isn’t over. The 6 God wants to get momentum back, and a recent comment by the FIFA President suggests how.

Gianni Infantino discussed the 2026 World Cup during a recent appearance on Good Day New York. The FIFA President was asked about the upcoming event, and host Rosanna Scotto suggested that he call on Drake to perform the World Cup Halftime Show. “I have a great idea for you for the Halftime,” she stated. “Drake… Kendrick Lamar dissed him at the Superbowl.” Infantino was not only intrigued by the idea, but noted that he already has a relationship with the 6 God. “Drake was with us when we announced the host cities.” The FIFA President liked the idea of stoking rivalry flames, and assured the host he’d reach out to Drizzy. “That’s a good idea,” he asserted. “I should have his number somewhere.”

Drake FIFA Ambassador

Gianni Infantino seems to be entertaining the idea of Drake performing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The FIFA President sat down with Good Day New York, where host Rosanna Scotto asked about Drake playing the 2026 FIFA World Cup Halftime Show.

“I have a great idea for you for the halftime,” she said to Infantino. “Drake. Because you were at the Super Bowl—Kendrick Lamar dissed him at the Super Bowl.”

“So we can create a bit of a rivalry,” Infantino asked. “Yes,” she responded, clearly excited.  “That’s a good idea,” he said. “Actually, Drake was with us when we announced the host cities. I should have his number saved somewhere.” Last year, Drizzy chatted with Infantino about the World Cup, which has games set for Canada, the US, and Mexico next year. During their conversation, Drake talked up Toronto, which will be hosting the first match of the tourney on June 12, 2026. “Canada as a whole, we have an incredible melting pot. But in Toronto, there are just so many different cultural experiences,” the 6 God explained. “So when the world comes, it’s going to be beautiful.”

He also called his fellow Canucks “the nicest people you’ll ever meet” and that there’s “no passion like football passion.” FIFA has also tapped Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Phil Harvey to curate the World Cup’s first halftime show, which will take place on July 19, 2026, at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. Infantino announced the news on Wednesday during a press event in Dallas. “I can confirm the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, in association with Global Citizen,” he said. “This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”

While a Drake performance hasn’t been confirmed, Jamil “Mal” Clay seems to think it’s happening. Last November, the podcaster appeared on Earn Your Leisure, where host Rashad Bilal said that Kendrick Lamar is “the No. 1 person in rap music,” explaining that Lamar is “doing the Super Bowl” and has the “No. 1 album.” That statement prompted Mal to say, “Drake is doing the World Cup.” “That’s not the same,” Bilal responded. “It’s not the same, you’re right,” Mal said. “You know how many people watch the World Cup?” Bilal, Mal, and EYL co-host Ian Dunlap laughed. “I think they tallied 1.6 billion last time. Super Bowl is 123 million,” Mal added.