Shakira Returns to the World Cup Stage as FIFA 2026 Opens in Mexico City
For the first time in more than a decade, Shakira returned to a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony.
The Colombian superstar joined Burna Boy in Mexico City on Thursday night to perform “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 tournament, closing a star-studded ceremony at Estadio Ciudad de México and reaffirming her unique connection to football’s biggest event.
While FIFA has cycled through countless performers and official songs over the years, few artists have become as closely associated with the World Cup as Shakira. Her 2010 anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” remains one of the most successful songs in the tournament’s history, and her performances during both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups helped cement her place in FIFA lore. Sixteen years later, she returned to launch another edition of the competition, this time alongside Nigerian superstar Burna Boy.
Shakira opened “Dai Dai” alone before Burna Boy joined her midway through the performance. The pair performed atop a massive display spread across the field bearing the words “We Are Ready,” while dancers and visual effects transformed the stadium into a showcase of the tournament’s global ambitions. The song, which blends Latin and Afrobeats influences, serves as the centerpiece of FIFA’s official 2026 soundtrack and reflects the increasingly international approach the organization has taken with its musical partnerships.
Their appearance capped a ceremony that largely celebrated the host nation while highlighting the international nature of a tournament being staged across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Mexican rock band Maná opened the festivities with a performance of their 1992 hit “Oye Mi Amor,” drawing one of the loudest reactions of the evening from the hometown crowd. Danny Ocean followed with “Partidazo,” his contribution to the official World Cup soundtrack, while Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda teamed up for a performance of “Por Ella.”
Later, J Balvin took the field for a brief set that further emphasized the strong Latin presence throughout the ceremony. The Colombian star brought out Ryan Castro for their recent collaboration “Una a la Vez” before closing with “I Like It,” one of the biggest crossover hits of his career.
The opening ceremony concluded with fireworks erupting above the stadium as Shakira and Burna Boy finished their performance, officially launching what FIFA hopes will be its most ambitious World Cup yet. The 2026 tournament marks the first time three countries have jointly hosted the event and will feature an expanded format that increases both the number of teams and matches.
The musical celebrations are only beginning. Additional opening events are scheduled across the United States and Canada throughout the opening weekend, with performers including Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Lisa, Rema, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, and Alessia Cara set to appear at various tournament-related festivities.
FIFA is also planning another first for the competition. The World Cup final, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will feature the tournament’s first official halftime show. Shakira is expected to return for that event as well, alongside Madonna and BTS, in a performance that will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
