J Balvin wrapped a fun night in Cartagena, Colombia this week and immediately revealed his next big move: he’s heading to the FIFA World Cup inauguration.
The reggaeton star posted on Instagram after the show with a message in Spanish. It translated to “Precisely in Cartagena. I love you a thousand, a thousand, thanks – a very special night and also with a lot of champeta!” He tagged both FIFA and the FIFA World Cup official accounts.
The champeta shoutout is a genuinely cool moment. Champeta is a genre born in Cartagena’s Afro-Colombian coastal communities, pulling from African and Caribbean musical traditions. It’s been central to the city’s cultural identity for generations.
The genre also has a complicated history in Colombia. It was often dismissed by mainstream society but fiercely embraced by the communities that created it. Having a global superstar spotlight it during a big show feels significant.
Here’s a fun detail: J Balvin isn’t actually from Cartagena. His full name is José Álvaro Osorio Balvín. He grew up in Medellín, in Colombia’s Andean interior, far from the Caribbean coast. Coming to Cartagena and giving champeta a moment adds something personal to the night.
He’s been vocal about his love for Colombian culture throughout his career. J Balvin was one of the first Latin urban artists to push reggaeton into the global mainstream. He’s framed that work as representing Colombia and Latin culture on the world stage. The champeta tribute fits that spirit.
Right after the show, he dropped the bigger news. He’s heading to the FIFA World Cup inauguration. The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It’s the largest edition of the tournament ever, with 48 national teams competing across 16 host cities. The opening ceremony is one of the most-watched live events on the planet.
This edition also marks the first time the tournament has returned to North America. The last time was 1994. That year, the United States hosted solo. Now the footprint is massive, with games stretching from New York and Los Angeles to Toronto and Mexico City.
Having J Balvin at the inauguration makes sense. He’s played Coachella and appeared on the Super Bowl halftime stage. His collaborations include Bad Bunny and Cardi B. He’s also worked with Beyoncé and BTS. Global events that want a Latin music presence tend to call his name.
For Colombian audiences, the World Cup connection hits differently. Soccer is massive in the country. Seeing one of Colombia’s most globally recognized artists at the opening ceremony of the 2026 tournament carries real national pride with it.
J Balvin didn’t spell out his exact role at the inauguration. The caption was short and fired up. But going from a champeta-filled night in Cartagena straight to the FIFA stage is a pretty wild and exciting combination. It feels very on-brand for his career right now.
