Musician Shakira / HANDOUT
When the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Mexico City on June 11, one of football's most familiar voices will once again take center stage.
Colombian superstar Shakira is set to perform the tournament's official song, Dai Dai, alongside Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy during the opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca, marking another milestone in her long-running relationship with the world's biggest sporting event.
The performance will affirm Shakira's status as one of the most recognisable artists in FIFA World Cup history, having been involved in major World Cup music campaigns across three different tournaments.
Born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll in 1977, the Colombian singer, songwriter, dancer and record producer has built a career spanning more than three decades. Often referred to as the "Queen of Latin Music," she is credited with helping popularize Spanish-language music globally and opening international doors for Latin artists.
Her musical success includes global hits such as Whenever, Wherever, Hips Don't Lie, She Wolf, La Tortura and Chantaje, earning her four Grammy Awards and 15 Latin Grammy Awards. She is also among the best-selling female artists of all time.
However, for football fans around the world, Shakira's name is inseparable from the FIFA World Cup.
Her association with the tournament began in 2010 when she collaborated with South African Afro-fusion band Freshlyground to record Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), the official song of the World Cup hosted in South Africa.
The song became an instant global phenomenon, dominating charts across continents and uniting fans through its infectious rhythm and message of hope and unity. Shakira performed the anthem during both the opening and closing ceremonies of the tournament, helping make it one of the most memorable World Cup songs ever produced.
More than a decade later, Waka Waka remains widely regarded as the definitive World Cup anthem. The music video, which featured football stars including Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, has attracted billions of views online and continues to be played at football events around the globe.
The success of Waka Waka established Shakira as FIFA's go-to musical ambassador.
She returned to the World Cup spotlight in 2014 with Dare (La La La), a football-themed song that became closely associated with the Brazil tournament and further strengthened her connection to the competition.
Now, with her selection to perform Dai Dai at the 2026 opening ceremony, Shakira joins a rare group of artists who have repeatedly been chosen to headline World Cup music across different generations.
Her enduring appeal lies in her ability to connect with audiences across cultures and languages. With a fan base spanning Latin America, Africa, Europe, North America and the Middle East, Shakira embodies the global spirit that FIFA seeks to showcase during the World Cup.
The title of the new song, Dai Dai, is derived from an Italian expression meaning "let's go" or "come on," a fitting message for a tournament that will bring together teams and fans from across the world.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup enters its final stages, Shakira's return is likely to evoke memories of the South Africa tournament and the song that became a soundtrack for millions of football fans.
Uganda’s internationally renowned dance troupe, the Ghetto Kids, expressed excitement after being invited to join global music star Shakira at a World Cup performance.
The group described the opportunity as a life-changing milestone for the troupe and the children they represent.
Founded in 2014 by Dauda Kavuma, the non-governmental initiative (NGO) and dance troupe uses the performing arts to support orphaned and vulnerable children in Kampala.
Speaking during an interview, the troupe’s founder said the invitation represents a breakthrough moment not only for the group but also for many disadvantaged children who have found hope through their performances.
“This one is very different. It’s a huge opportunity for the Ghetto Kids, for me, the children who have no hope will still have hope,” Daouda said.
The group has grown over the years from a local community initiative into an internationally recognised dance troupe, attracting millions of followers online and performing on global stages.
Their high-energy routines and inspirational storylines have made them one of Africa’s most visible youth performance groups.
One of the troupe’s dancers, Josephine Busingye, said the group could not hide their excitement at the prospect of sharing a stage with Shakira during one of the world’s most-watched sporting events.
“I feel so excited. We can’t wait to perform with Shakira, and we can’t wait to show the world what we are,” she said.
For at least 16 years after Waka Waka first captured the world's imagination, Shakira has remained one of the few artists whose music is instantly linked to the FIFA World Cup, making her one of the tournament's most enduring cultural symbols.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, across 16 cities, running from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The tournament is expected to be one of the largest sporting events in history, featuring expanded participation and a packed calendar of matches.
