Shakira performed the new official tournament song "Dai Dai" during the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City [1].
Her return marks the continuation of a long-standing relationship between the Colombian singer and the global football event. By consistently providing the tournament's sonic identity, Shakira has become a primary symbol of the World Cup's global appeal.
The performance took place June 11, 2026 [2], at the Estadio Azteca [3]. Shakira shared the stage with Burna Boy to debut "Dai Dai," the latest addition to her portfolio of tournament anthems [1].
This appearance is the latest chapter in a history that began in 2010 [4]. During that tournament in South Africa, Shakira performed the official song "Waka Waka," which helped establish her as the voice of the event [4].
FIFA said the singer was selected because her upbeat and globally appealing music resonates with fans across different continents [5]. This strategy has made her songs synonymous with the spirit of the competition over the last 16 years [5].
The 2026 ceremony in Mexico City serves as a bridge between the tournament's history and its current expansion. By bringing back a recognized figure like Shakira, the organization leverages nostalgia while introducing new musical collaborations to a modern audience [1].
“Shakira has become a primary symbol of the World Cup's global appeal.”
Shakira's recurring role as the musical face of the FIFA World Cup demonstrates the organization's reliance on established global superstars to maintain brand consistency. By pairing her with contemporary artists like Burna Boy, FIFA attempts to blend the legacy of previous tournaments with current global music trends to attract a younger, diverse demographic.
