MEXICO CITY — Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy will headline the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, performing the tournament’s official anthem Dai Dai at Estadio Azteca on June 11 before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
FIFA described the song as “a celebration of football’s power to unite people across cultures and continents.” The title, an Italian phrase meaning “let’s go” or “come on,” is expected to be one of the centrepieces of the ceremony.
Joining Shakira and Burna Boy on stage will be Colombian reggaeton artist J Balvin and South African singer-songwriter Tyla, adding a global mix of sounds to the launch of the month-long tournament.
“We wanted a song that captures the energy, passion and global spirit of the FIFA World Cup,” FIFA said in a statement. “Shakira and Burna Boy bring together two of the world’s most influential musical voices.”
The opening ceremony in Mexico is one of three planned across the host nations. In Canada, Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette will headline celebrations before Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12. In the United States, Katy Perry and rapper Future will perform before the U.S. faces Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Shakira’s return to the World Cup stage continues her long association with football’s biggest tournament, following the success of Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) in 2010 and La La La in 2014. She is also scheduled to appear at the World Cup final on July 19, co-headlining the tournament’s first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show alongside Madonna and K-pop group BTS.
Fans and commentators reacted with excitement across social media. On X, @AfrobeatNation wrote: “Burna Boy on the World Cup stage is history in the making. Afrobeats has truly gone global.” Another user, @LatinPopFan, added: “Shakira is the queen of World Cup anthems. This is the perfect comeback.”
Policy makers and cultural stakeholders also weighed in. Nigeria’s Minister of Culture, Hannatu Musawa, said: “Burna Boy’s inclusion is a proud moment for Nigeria. It shows the world the power of our music and culture.” Colombian journalist Juan Carlos Restrepo commented: “Shakira’s voice has become synonymous with the World Cup. Her return is both nostalgic and symbolic.”
Entertainment analyst Bolanle Olukanni noted: “This lineup reflects the global nature of football. It’s not just a sport, it’s a cultural phenomenon.”
With Shakira, Burna Boy, and a star-studded roster of performers, FIFA is betting on music to amplify the spectacle of the 2026 World Cup, promising fans a celebration that blends sport, culture, and global unity.
