Shakira will perform the official World Cup song at the 2026 opening ceremony in Mexico City before hosts Mexico face South Africa.
Shakira is set to take centre stage when the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway in Mexico City. The Colombian superstar will headline the tournament's opening ceremony before the first match between Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The performance adds another chapter to Shakira's long association with football's biggest event. Having already delivered some of the most memorable World Cup songs in history, she now returns to launch the largest tournament the sport has ever seen.
FIFA confirmed that Shakira will perform the official World Cup anthem, Dai Dai, during the opening ceremony on June 11. The event will begin 90 minutes before kick-off at Estadio Azteca, giving fans an entertainment spectacle before the football begins. Shakira will be joined by Nigerian star Burna Boy, who also features on the song. The title Dai Dai comes from an Italian phrase that translates to "let's go" or "come on", fitting the excitement surrounding the competition's opening night.
The ceremony will also include performances from Colombian reggaeton artist J Balvin and South African singer-songwriter Tyla. Together, they form a diverse international line-up reflecting the global nature of the tournament.
This is not Shakira's first World Cup appearance. The singer became synonymous with the tournament after releasing Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. That song became one of the most successful football anthems ever produced. She also performed at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 editions of the tournament, cementing her place as one of football's most recognisable musical figures.
Earlier this year, Shakira unveiled Dai Dai, which marks her second official World Cup anthem. The song was released ahead of the tournament and quickly generated excitement among football fans worldwide.
The 2026 World Cup will be unlike any previous edition. For the first time, the tournament will feature 48 teams instead of 32, increasing the number of matches from 64 to 104. Mexico, the United States and Canada will jointly host the competition. FIFA has also introduced separate opening ceremonies in each host nation rather than staging a single event.
Following the ceremony in Mexico City, Canada will host its own celebration in Toronto before facing Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the United States, Katy Perry and Future will perform before the Americans take on Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Shakira's involvement will not end with the opening ceremony. FIFA has also confirmed that she will co-headline the first-ever World Cup final halftime show. She will share the stage with Madonna and K-pop sensation BTS at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. The move mirrors the Super Bowl entertainment model and represents another major innovation for the tournament.
With millions expected to tune in globally, Shakira remains one of the event's biggest attractions. Her return ensures the 2026 World Cup will begin with a familiar voice and plenty of star power.
Attention now turns to the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 at Estadio Azteca. The tournament will then continue across 16 host cities in North America before concluding with the World Cup final on July 19 in New Jersey.
