BARCELONA (FN), Global pop star Shakira has announced she will perform the official theme song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, teaming up with Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy. The collaboration marks Shakira’s return to the World Cup stage after her iconic 2010 anthem “Waka Waka” and highlights the growing influence of African music on the global stage.
The announcement was made during a press event in Barcelona, where Shakira described the project as “a celebration of unity, rhythm, and resilience.” Burna Boy, fresh off his Grammy wins and global tours, said the partnership reflects Africa’s central role in shaping contemporary music. The song, set to be released ahead of the tournament, will blend Shakira’s Latin pop roots with Burna Boy’s Afrofusion style, promising a vibrant anthem for fans worldwide. FIFA officials confirmed the track will be performed live at the opening ceremony in Mexico City, one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly staged by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Shakira, born in Barranquilla, Colombia, is widely regarded as the “Queen of Latin Music.” She rose to global fame with albums such as Laundry Service and hits like “Hips Don’t Lie.” Her 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” became one of the most streamed football songs ever, cementing her legacy as the voice of global sporting anthems. She has won four Grammy Awards and 15 Latin Grammys, making her one of the most decorated Latin artists of all time.
Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, is credited with popularizing Afrobeats worldwide. Known for his Afro-fusion style that blends Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop, he broke through with his 2012 single “Like to Party” and has since become a global star. His album Twice as Tall won the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2020, and his hit “Last Last” has surpassed a billion streams. Burna Boy has sold out arenas across Europe and America, performing at festivals like Glastonbury and Coachella, and is widely seen as one of Africa’s biggest cultural exports.
Social media erupted following the announcement, with hashtags like #ShakiraBurnaBoy, #WorldCup2026Song, and #AfrobeatsGlobal trending across platforms. Fans praised the collaboration as a symbolic bridge between continents, while analysts noted it underscores FIFA’s push for cultural diversity in its global showcase.
Industry observers say the partnership could boost Afrobeats’ global reach, cementing Burna Boy’s status as a leading African artist. For Shakira, the project reinforces her legacy as the voice of World Cup anthems, building on her previous success and ensuring her music continues to resonate with football fans worldwide.
