Shakira has never been just another celebrity guest at the World Cup. She has been part of the tournament’s soundtrack, its spectacle and its global memory. That connection continued at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City, where Shakira returned to the sport’s biggest stage alongside Burna Boy to perform “Dai Dai,” the official song of this year’s tournament. The performance gave the opening ceremony a true crossover moment, blending soccer, pop music and international star power before the first match kicked off.
For Shakira, the appearance carried extra weight because of her long history with the World Cup. Fans still connect her instantly with “Waka Waka,” the song that helped define the 2010 tournament and became one of the most recognizable World Cup anthems ever. Her return in 2026 felt less like a random booking and more like FIFA going back to one of the few artists who can make a World Cup song feel massive. The moment also gave the ceremony a fashion and pop-culture spark. Shakira’s bright, stage-ready look stood out immediately, while her performance with Burna Boy added a new chapter to her World Cup legacy.
In a tournament already loaded with celebrity appearances and major entertainment moments, Shakira’s return was one of the clearest reminders that the World Cup is more than a sporting event. It is a global show — and few artists have owned that stage better than her.
Shakira’s World Cup Journey
Shakira’s relationship with the FIFA World Cup began long before 2026. Her first major involvement came in 2006 when she performed “Hips Don’t Lie” at the closing ceremony of the World Cup in Germany, a collaboration with Wyclef Jean that became a global hit. But it was in 2010 that she truly cemented her place in World Cup history. That year, she was chosen to perform the official song “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” for the tournament in South Africa. The song, featuring the South African band Freshlyground, became an anthem not just for the event but for an entire generation of soccer fans. It remains the most-viewed World Cup song on YouTube and one of the best-selling singles of all time.
In 2014, Shakira returned to perform “La La La (Brazil 2014)” at the closing ceremony of the World Cup in Brazil, another high-energy performance that showcased her ability to connect with a global audience. She also performed at the 2018 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Russia, though her role was more collaborative that year. By 2022, she was not part of the official lineup, but her legacy lingered. Fans and media often speculated about her return, and in 2026, that return finally happened.
The 2026 Performance: A New Anthem
“Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 World Cup, was performed live for the first time during the opening ceremony at Mexico City Stadium. The stadium, with a capacity of over 87,000, was packed with fans eager to witness the start of the tournament. Shakira entered the stage in a striking, custom-designed outfit that blended traditional Mexican embroidery with modern pop-star glamour — a nod to the host nation’s culture. Her energy was infectious as she sang the chorus, “Dai Dai, vamos, vamos,” urging the crowd to sing along.
Burna Boy, the Nigerian Afrobeat superstar, joined her for a duet that bridged continents. Their voices harmonized over a beat that mixed dancehall, Afropop, and Latin rhythms, reflecting the multicultural spirit of the World Cup. The performance featured elaborate choreography, with dancers dressed in colorful costumes inspired by the flags of the 48 participating nations. Fireworks and pyrotechnics lit up the stadium’s roof, and giant screens displayed images of fans from around the world.
The song itself was co-written by Shakira, Burna Boy, and a team of producers including Hit-Boy and Boi-1da. It was released three weeks before the ceremony and immediately climbed charts in over 30 countries. Critics praised its infectious beat and the chemistry between the two artists. In Mexico, “Dai Dai” became an instant hit, often played in plazas, markets, and on public transportation as the country prepared to host its third World Cup (after 1970 and 1986).
Cultural and Fashion Impact
Shakira’s fashion choices have always been a talking point, and the 2026 ceremony was no different. Her outfit was designed by the Lebanese fashion house Zuhair Murad, featuring a bodice encrusted with crystals and a flowing skirt that changed colors under the stage lights. The design incorporated elements typical of Mexican folk art, such as floral embroidery and a rebozo-inspired shawl, which Shakira wore over her shoulders at the end of her performance. This blend of global and local influences underscored the unifying theme of the World Cup.
Social media exploded with reactions. Within minutes of the performance, hashtags like ShakiraWorldCup and DaiDai were trending in more than 50 countries. Memes comparing her 2010 and 2026 looks circulated, and fashion bloggers dissected every detail of her ensemble. Many noted that she had managed to stay relevant for over two decades, a feat in the fast-paced music industry.
Behind the Scenes: Rehearsals and Preparation
According to sources close to the production, Shakira and Burna Boy began rehearsing for the ceremony three months in advance. They practiced in a secret studio in Barcelona, Spain, where Shakira resides. The duo worked with a team of choreographers from the UK, Nigeria, and Colombia to create a routine that would be both visually stunning and physically demanding. Burna Boy, known for his energetic stage presence, learned basic dance moves for the choreography, while Shakira, a trained dancer, adapted her signature hip movements to the song’s rhythm.
The technical rehearsal at Mexico City Stadium took place three days before the ceremony. It lasted over eight hours, with lighting, sound, and camera crews testing every angle. FIFA officials attended and gave final approval, noting that the performance would be one of the highlights of the opening ceremony, alongside a drone show and a parade of former World Cup winners.
Shakira’s Legacy in the Music Industry
Beyond the World Cup, Shakira has maintained a prolific career. She has sold over 80 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling Latin music artists of all time. Her albums range from rock en español in the 1990s to pop, reggaeton, and electronic music in the 2010s and 2020s. She has won multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy awards, and her 2023 world tour grossed over $300 million. In 2025, she released a surprise album titled “Luce”, which debuted at number one on the Billboard Latin chart and featured collaborations with artists like Bad Bunny and Rosalía.
Her philanthropic work is also notable. Through her Bare Foot Foundation, she has built schools and provided educational resources for underprivileged children in Colombia and other countries. In 2024, she was awarded the Humanitarian Award by the United Nations for her work in early childhood development. Her commitment to giving back has made her a role model for millions.
The Collaboration with Burna Boy
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, has become a global force in music. His blend of Afrobeat, dancehall, and hip-hop has earned him a Grammy award and sold-out arena tours. The collaboration with Shakira on “Dai Dai” was years in the making. In interviews before the ceremony, Burna Boy said he grew up listening to Shakira’s music in Nigeria, and that working with her felt like a full-circle moment. Their duet on stage was praised for its seamless integration of their distinct vocal styles — Shakira’s breathy, versatile voice complemented by Burna Boy’s deep, rhythmic delivery.
During the performance, the two artists exchanged verses and harmonized on the chorus. At one point, Burna Boy played a djembe drum while Shakira danced around him, a moment that the camera captured in slow motion. The audience responded with a standing ovation that lasted several minutes after the song ended.
The Bigger Picture: World Cup Ceremonies as Global Entertainment
The opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup lasted 45 minutes and featured several acts, including a medley of traditional Mexican music performed by Mariachi bands and a hologram tribute to Pelé, who died in 2022. However, Shakira and Burna Boy’s performance was the centerpiece. Their song “Dai Dai” was also played after every match during the group stage, further embedding it in the tournament’s identity.
FIFA has a long history of collaborating with major artists: from “Waka Waka” (2010) to “We Are One” (2014) to “Live It Up” (2018). The 2026 official song continues that tradition, but with a modern twist — it is the first official FIFA World Cup song to feature an Afrobeat star. This represents a shift in the global music industry, where African rhythms are now central to pop music. Shakira’s own music has always incorporated world influences, and her partnership with Burna Boy reflects her adaptability and cultural openness.
Fan Reactions and Media Coverage
Fans around the world watched the ceremony live on television and streaming platforms. In Colombia, Shakira’s home country, bars and public squares set up giant screens to watch the event. Many Colombians expressed pride in seeing their compatriot shine on the global stage once again. In Nigeria, Burna Boy’s fans celebrated his performance as a victory for African music. Social media posts from both artists after the ceremony thanked fans for their support and hinted at future collaborations.
Media coverage was overwhelmingly positive. Major outlets like BBC, CNN, and El País dedicated extensive segments to the performance, noting how Shakira’s stage presence had not diminished over 16 years since her first World Cup appearance. Some critics pointed out that the song “Dai Dai” was less catchy than “Waka Waka,” but they acknowledged that it served its purpose as an energetic opener. The performance also sparked discussions about the commercialization of the World Cup, but most agreed that entertainment is an integral part of the tournament’s appeal.
Shakira’s Personal Connection to Mexico
Mexico holds a special place in Shakira’s heart. She has performed in the country many times and has close friendships with Mexican artists and personalities. In 2020, she rented a house in Mexico City for several months during the pandemic, where she wrote songs and explored the local culture. Her performance in Mexico City Stadium felt like a homecoming of sorts, and she addressed the crowd in Spanish at the end of the ceremony, saying, “Gracias, México, por recibirme con tanto amor. Este es un sueño hecho realidad.” (Thank you, Mexico, for welcoming me with so much love. This is a dream come true.)
The cultural exchange between Latin American nations was also highlighted during the ceremony. Mexico and Colombia share many musical traditions, and the inclusion of Colombian rhythms in “Dai Dai” was a subtle acknowledgment of that bond. Shakira’s presence also boosted tourism: reports indicated a spike in Colombian tourists visiting Mexico during the first week of the World Cup.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Shakira?
After the World Cup, Shakira is scheduled to embark on a Latin American tour beginning in August 2026, with dates in Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Brazil. She is also working on a documentary about her career, set to be released in 2027 by Netflix. Her music remains in constant rotation on streaming platforms, and she continues to be a prominent figure in the pop culture landscape. The success of “Dai Dai” has already sparked talk of a possible second single with Burna Boy, though nothing has been confirmed.
Shakira’s return to the World Cup stage reminds us that some artists transcend their medium. She has not only provided the soundtrack for a global event but has become synonymous with that event’s energy and emotion. Her ability to evolve while staying true to her roots is rare, and it is why she remains a beloved figure across generations and continents. As the 2026 tournament progresses, her voice will be heard not just in stadiums, but in homes, cars, and gatherings around the world.
Source: MSN News