Grupo Firme close to reaching a record at the GNP Stadium

The countdown to the 2026 Soccer World Cup final has a new chapter. Shakira shared on social media her excitement at reuniting with The Ghetto Kids, the children’s dance group from Uganda that will accompany her at the halftime show on July 19 in the United States.

From New York, the Colombian singer published images and videos of the rehearsals with the minors. “The @ghettokids_tfug from Uganda have changed our lives. Spending time with them has been magical and has taught us a lot! I’m so happy to finally have them here in New York to dance with me at the World Cup final!” he wrote.

A story of resilience

The Ghetto Kids were born in Kampala as part of a non-profit organization that uses dance to support abandoned and orphaned children. Its founder, Kavuma Dauda, ​​also lived homeless during his childhood. The project began with street videos that went viral due to the energy of its members.

Their talent led them to “America’s Got Talent.” Now they face the biggest stage: the 2026 World Cup final, which more than a billion people will watch. The invitation arose when the group responded to Shakira’s call to send videos dancing to “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s anthem. His choreographies conquered the artist.

“When the stars boost others, the world shines brighter. Thank you, @shakira, for giving us the opportunity to share our joy, talent and culture with the world,” the group published on networks.

The show will bring together Shakira, The Ghetto Kids and their children at halftime of the final between Argentina and Spain. A moment that promises to be historic.

The controversy over Pedro Sola’s sayings does not go away. The driver of Ventaneando, 79 years old, expressed his rejection of the presence of dogs in restaurants and shopping centers. He said he felt like throwing poisoned meat at them or shooting their owners. His words unleashed a wave of criticism.

“I don’t tolerate dogs in the store, dogs in the supermarket, dogs shitting in the restaurant… Wanting to throw a piece of poisoned meat… I want to shoot them… at the owners,” declared Sola.

Reaction from TV Azteca

The company issued a statement. He reaffirmed that respect for animals is part of his values. He announced that he will reinforce awareness-raising actions among his collaborators. Several brands have already withdrawn their advertising from the program.

Apio Quijano raises his voice

The Kabah member did not remain silent. Through a video, he described Sola’s comments as irresponsible and out of place.

“Clearly he is not a person known for giving intelligent information… but talking about poisoning animals is cruelty,” said Apio.

He called to think twice before expressing himself, because now the public has a voice. In addition, he shared a photo of his dog Ofelia with a shirt that says “Be careful with Pedro”, alluding to the viral meme. Ofelia accumulates more than 23 thousand followers on Instagram.

Apio stressed that times have changed: what was once taken as a joke, today has real consequences.

Farewell to a character actress

The Irish performer Brenda Fricker, winner of the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1990 for My Left Foot, died at the age of 81. The news was confirmed by his representative, Phil Belfield, in statements to the BBC.

“We will never see someone like her again and the world is a worse place without her presence,” Belfield said. “It was an honor to know her, love her and work with her.”

According to Hello! magazine, the actress faced health problems before her departure. For millions of viewers, Fricker was recorded as the endearing “pigeon lady” in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, although her career was much broader.

More than a Christmas character

Fricker conquered Hollywood with her role as a mother in My Left Foot, alongside Daniel Day-Lewis. He also stood out on British television with series such as Casualty and films such as Omagh and A Man of No Importance. However, for global audiences, his bond with the Central Park character was indelible.

In 2020, on the program The Ray D’Arcy Show, the actress spoke about loneliness at Christmas. I lived alone and faced those dates harshly.

“I would be lying if I said it would be a nice and happy Christmas because… I’m older and I live alone. It can be very dark,” she confessed. He turned off the phone, closed the blinds and spent the days with his dog and recorded programs.

He acknowledged that New Year’s was the most difficult time: “There was no one to hug or smile.” To the host who pointed out the irony of so many families watching her every Christmas on the screen while she was alone, she responded: “Well, the pigeon lady was very lonely.” A legacy of honesty and talent.