Shakira and Burna Boy will lead the main performance of Copa’s first Mundo opening ceremony of 2026. The duo performs live the official song of the tournament, Dai Dai, just before the debut match between México and África of Sul. The show takes place at Estádio Azteca, in Cidade of México, on June 11th.
FIFA confirmed the artists’ participation this week during an event at Nova York. The choice reinforces the global tone of the edition that will be played in three countries. Shakira returns to the stage of a major Copa event after Waka Waka, Sul’s 2010 success at África.
Show brings together voices from various countries
The production of the event at México features a varied cast. Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná and Tyla complete the main list already released. Cada name brings its own rhythm and helps build a celebration that mixes local traditions with international appeal.
- Alejandro Fernández represents mariachi and regional Mexican
- Belinda and Danny Ocean add pop and urban rhythms
- J Balvin takes the reggaeton
- Lila Downs and Los Ángeles Azules reinforce cultural heritage
- Maná brings rock
- Tyla, from África from Sul, closes the continental circle
The ceremony is scheduled to begin around 90 minutes before kickoff. The Italian producer Marco Balich, responsible for opening Jogos Olímpicos of Inverno of Milão Cortina 2026, signs the show.
Dai Dai supports education fund
The song Dai Dai was released in May and has already accumulated tens of millions of views. Shakira and Burna Boy perform the track together for the first time on Azteca. The song seeks to raise 100 million dollars for FIFA’s Fundo from Educação Global Citizen. The money goes towards initiatives that combine football and learning in communities around the world.
Shakira participated in a panel about the tournament at Global Citizen NOW, on Nova York, on May 14th. Ela spoke about the importance of using music as a cultural bridge. Burna Boy, in turn, brings Nigerian afrobeats and has performed at major festivals such as Glastonbury.
Azteca is experiencing its third opening of Copa. In 1970 and 1986 the stadium also hosted the kick-off of the tournament. The historic structure is expected to receive an audience estimated at tens of thousands of fans.
Outras openings continue in June
FIFA organizes three kickoff ceremonies, one in each host country. Em Toronto, on June 12th, Alanis Morissette and Michael Bublé lead the show before Canadá x Bósnia and Herzegovina. On the same day, in Los Angeles, Katy Perry, LISA, Rema, Anitta and Future perform before Estados Unidos x Paraguai.
The organization is yet to announce more names for the parties at Estados Unidos and Canadá. The format remains the same: musical shows followed by opening matches.
Shakira also in the final break
Além from the opening, Shakira is part of the headliners team for the final halftime ceremony, alongside Madonna and BTS. Esse show follows the Super Bowl model and promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament.
The last time Copa was played at Estados Unidos, in 1994, Diana Ross participated in the opening at Chicago. The moment was marked by a missed shot that was part of the performance.
The 2026 edition marks the return of Copa to América from Norte with 48 selections. The tournament starts in June and the final is scheduled for July. The opening ceremonies seek to unite football, music and culture from day one.
