Shakira is set to return to football's biggest stage after being announced as a performer for the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Colombian superstar will perform her official tournament song, 'Dai Dai', alongside Burna Boy at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11. The ceremony will take place ahead of the tournament's opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
About the Song
'Dai Dai' takes its name from an Italian expression commonly translated as 'let's go' or 'come on'. The song was unveiled earlier this year as the official anthem for the expanded tournament. Shakira has a long history with the World Cup. In 2010, she released the global hit 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' for the tournament in South Africa. The track became one of the most recognisable football songs of the modern era and remains closely associated with the competition.
Additional Performers
Additional performers for the Mexico ceremony include Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin and South African singer Tyla. FIFA previously announced that the 2026 tournament would feature opening celebrations in each of the three host nations. Canada will stage its ceremony at BMO Field in Toronto before Canada face Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12. Canadian artists Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette are scheduled to headline the event. The United States ceremony will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles before the United States begin their campaign against Paraguay. Katy Perry and rapper Future have been confirmed as performers for the American celebration.
Tournament Details
The 2026 World Cup is the first tournament to be jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States. It is also the largest edition in the competition's history, featuring 48 teams and a total of 104 matches. Shakira's involvement does not end with the opening ceremony. FIFA has already confirmed that she will also participate in the Super Bowl style half time show during the World Cup final on July 19. Madonna and South Korean group BTS are also expected to appear during the showpiece event.
The announcement marks another major chapter in Shakira's relationship with international football, which spans more than a decade. With music stars spread across all three host countries, FIFA is aiming to turn the 2026 tournament into one of the biggest sporting and entertainment events ever staged.
