Nurse will headline the World Cup 26 Queens Group Stage headquarters on June 12 and become the face of the 2026 NBA Finals.
Nas will take over the World Cup stage in Queens this summer, and his dominance in sports continues to extend beyond the music world.
The Queens icon will headline the opening night concert on Friday, June 12, at the NYNJ World Cup 26th Annual Queens Group Headquarters.
The event, held June 11-27 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, transforms the iconic venue into a global celebration of football, music and culture.
Nas’ performance, which requires separate admission at a special event price and is co-sponsored by Resorts World Casino, marks his World Cup debut as a performer.
Queens Group Headquarters will host over 40 performances and appearances across 17 dates, including globally recognized artists such as Ella Mai, Wyclef Jean, Busta Rhymes, Blessd and more.
The venue is one of the region’s most important fan destinations during the tournament’s group stages, bringing together supporters from around the world to experience the games alongside local residents.
But Nurse’s impact on sports extends far beyond the football field. The legendary rapper recently became the voice of the 2026 NBA Finals, providing the powerful narration for composer Nicholas Britell’s groundbreaking league-wide sonic identity, “History Calls.”
According to the NBA’s announcement, Nurse’s narrative voice captured the emotion and intensity of the Finals, and his opening words set the tone: “Thirty teams began this journey, but only two survived.”
This partnership will continue after the finals, with both parties working on other projects that blend music and sports entertainment.
His performance at the Queens World Cup represents a new chapter in this ever-expanding role, making him a central figure at the intersection of hip-hop culture and the global sporting moment.
