FIFA Has an Interest in Escalating the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar Battle on the World’s Biggest Sports Stage
Drake’s ongoing rivalry with Kendrick Lamar reached new heights in 2024 when Lamar delivered a powerful knockout punch with tracks like “Meet the Grahams” and “Not Like Us.” The battle between these two titans of hip-hop has continued into 2025, with Lamar dominating major events like the Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Despite Drake’s continued presence in the music industry, Lamar’s album is even outpacing Drake’s on the Billboard charts, a move that has kept the 6 God on the defensive.
However, the battle is far from over. Drake is determined to reclaim his momentum, and an intriguing recent comment from FIFA President Gianni Infantino hints that the global sports organization may be stepping into the fray. Infantino appeared on Good Day New York and was asked about the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Host Rosanna Scotto jokingly suggested that Infantino should bring Drake on board to perform the World Cup Halftime Show, referencing Lamar’s diss at the Super Bowl. Infantino didn’t dismiss the idea; in fact, he seemed quite taken with it, revealing his existing relationship with the rapper. “Drake was with us when we announced the host cities,” he remarked, signaling a potential connection that could help fuel the rivalry.
Even more telling, Infantino hinted that he might already have Drake’s number, saying, “That’s a good idea. I should have his number somewhere,” a comment that suggests a more serious consideration of the rapper’s involvement in the World Cup festivities. With FIFA’s interest piqued, could the World Cup become the next battleground for Drake and Lamar?
Rumors surrounding Drake’s possible involvement in the World Cup have been circulating since February 2024. The rapper’s praise for FIFA’s decision to host the event in Canada only added fuel to the fire. “Canada as a whole, we have an incredible melting pot,” Drake explained, celebrating the diverse cultural experiences in Toronto. “So when the world comes, it’s going to be beautiful.” These comments raised expectations that he could play a role in the event, although concrete details have been scarce.
As of now, Infantino has only publicly confirmed that Chris Martin and Phil Harvey of Coldplay will help curate the World Cup Halftime Show, which will take place in New Jersey. “I can confirm the first-ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, in association with Global Citizen,” Infantino said, emphasizing the historical significance of the event. While Coldplay’s involvement is locked in, Drake’s participation remains uncertain.
Drake is also currently serving as FIFA Ambassador for Canada, which makes him an appealing choice for the World Cup’s musical lineup. Despite fan speculation and calls from figures like DJ Akademiks, nothing is set in stone. The stage is set for FIFA to play a pivotal role in this ongoing hip-hop rivalry, with the 2026 World Cup offering a global platform to amplify the tension between these two iconic figures. As the world watches, the question remains: Will Drake rise to the challenge and answer Kendrick Lamar’s diss on the biggest stage in sports? Only time will tell.
