Shakira took to the stage at the Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City, this Thursday (11) for the live performance of the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Alongside Nigerian Burna Boy, the Colombian debuted “Dai Dai” in one of the tournament’s three opening ceremonies, minutes before the kickoff between Mexico and South Africa.
The performance marks Shakira’s return to the biggest stage in world football. The singer, who immortalized “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” at the 2010 World Cup, now returns with a track that mixes reggaeton, afrobeats and global pop elements. The chorus brings together expressions of encouragement in several languages — “dai dai”, “ikou”, “dale”, “allez” and “let’s go” —, reinforcing the theme of unity between the host nations: Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Anthem that unites rhythms and cultures
“Dai Dai” was released in May and has already accumulated tens of millions of views in the official video, which features appearances by stars such as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. The song also supports a FIFA initiative to raise US$100 million for education and access to football for young people. At Azteca, the performance lasted around 10 to 13 minutes and was part of a program with other Latin and African artists, such as J Balvin, Tyla and Belinda.
The stadium, with a capacity for almost 87,000 people, received traditional Mexican elements, such as Papel Picado, in a production that celebrates the cultural diversity of the tournament. Shakira rehearsed in the previous days alongside her choreographer Darina Littleton, generating anticipation among fans who followed behind the scenes on social media.
Shakira’s legacy at the World Cup
This is not the first time that the Colombian artist has transformed the event into a musical spectacle. In addition to 2010, she was linked to the 2014 track with “La La La (Brazil 2014)”. “Dai Dai” comes at a time when the World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, seeks to expand its global reach. The track already tops the charts in dozens of countries and is seen as a natural successor to the great previous anthems.
For the Brazilian public, the moment gains extra flavor: Anitta is also part of the tournament’s musical attractions, representing the country in another ceremony. Shakira’s presence, however, carries historical weight — she is one of the few artists to mark multiple editions with performances and songs that have become collective anthems.
The opening at Azteca kicks off a World Cup that promises to be the most distributed in history, with games in three countries. Shakira and Burna Boy’s show not only celebrates the kickoff but also reinforces the power of music in connecting fans from different continents from day one.