From the UAE to the FIFA World Cup Final: How Local Filmmakers Helped Uganda’s Ghetto Kids Reach the Global Stage

- July 16, 2026 , by Maagulf
From the UAE to the FIFA World Cup Final: How Local Filmmakers Helped Uganda’s Ghetto Kids Reach the Global Stage

Dubai: While football fans around the world eagerly await the FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina, another inspiring story is capturing global attention. Uganda’s world-famous dance group, Ghetto Kids, is set to perform alongside international music icon Shakira during the halftime show, marking a remarkable milestone in their incredible journey from the streets of Kampala to football’s biggest stage.

The Ghetto Kids, a dance troupe made up of underprivileged children from Uganda’s ghettos, was originally formed to provide vulnerable children with better access to food, shelter, education, and hope for a brighter future. Their energetic performances quickly gained worldwide popularity on social media, but performing at the FIFA World Cup Final is a dream they never imagined possible.

Adding a proud UAE connection to their success story is Toy Green Films, a UAE-based documentary production company that chronicled the extraordinary rise of the Ghetto Kids. The documentary highlighted the children's inspiring journey from poverty to international recognition and ultimately caught the attention of global superstar Shakira, leading to their invitation to perform during the prestigious halftime show.

Beyond filmmaking, Toy Green Films extended its support by partnering with Nomad Media Group and generous UAE residents to make a lasting impact on the children's lives. Together, they helped build a new home and establish a goat farm for the Ghetto Kids, creating sustainable opportunities and improving their living conditions.

The inspiring collaboration demonstrates how storytelling can transform lives, turning a documentary into a gateway for global recognition and life-changing opportunities.

As millions tune in to watch the FIFA World Cup Final, the UAE can take pride in knowing it has played a meaningful role in one of the tournament’s most heartwarming stories. Even without kicking a football, the UAE’s contribution will be showcased on one of the world's biggest sporting stages through the remarkable journey of the Ghetto Kids.

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