Shakira is set to take center stage once again at football’s biggest event after FIFA confirmed that the Colombian superstar will perform during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City.
The Grammy-winning singer will perform “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official song, alongside Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy on June 11 at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The performance will take place moments before hosts Mexico face South Africa in the opening match of the expanded tournament.
The highly anticipated ceremony signals the beginning of what FIFA expects to be the largest World Cup in history. The 2026 edition will feature 48 national teams and 104 matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“Dai Dai,” an Italian phrase commonly translated as “let’s go” or “come on,” has already generated significant excitement among football and music fans worldwide.
FIFA hopes the anthem will capture the energy, diversity, and global unity that define the tournament.
Shakira’s return to the World Cup stage carries special significance. The singer remains one of football’s most recognizable musical ambassadors after delivering several iconic World Cup performances throughout her career.
Her appearance alongside Burna Boy also highlights Africa’s growing influence on the global entertainment landscape.
Joining the opening ceremony lineup will be Colombian reggaeton sensation J Balvin and South African music star Tyla. Together, the artists will create a multicultural showcase that reflects the international spirit of the competition.
Meanwhile, celebrations will extend beyond Mexico. FIFA has planned separate opening ceremonies in all three host nations.
In Canada, renowned singer-songwriters Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette will headline festivities at Toronto’s BMO Field before Canada opens its campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12.
Across the border in the United States, global pop superstar Katy Perry and award-winning rapper Future will perform at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles ahead of the United States’ clash with Paraguay.
The entertainment spectacle will continue throughout the tournament. FIFA has also announced that Shakira, Madonna, and K-pop phenomenon BTS will co-headline a Super Bowl-style halftime show during the World Cup final on July 19.
The announcement further strengthens FIFA’s strategy of blending football and global entertainment to attract record audiences.
With some of the world’s biggest music stars involved, organizers hope to transform the 2026 tournament into one of the most watched sporting events in history.
For Burna Boy, the performance represents another milestone in his remarkable international rise. The Nigerian artist continues to expand Afrobeats’ global footprint, sharing one of the world’s largest stages with some of music’s most influential performers.
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