MEXICO CITY — Global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy electrified the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday night, delivering a high-energy performance of “Dai Dai,” the tournament’s official anthem, before a roaring crowd at Estadio Azteca.
Shakira, the Colombian superstar long associated with World Cup anthems, took the stage after J Balvin’s set and immediately energized the stadium with her signature dance moves and the opening verse of the song. Nigerian Afrobeats icon Burna Boy then emerged to thunderous applause, joining her in a vibrant display of music and choreography. Backed by troupes of dancers, the pair danced together as fans cheered throughout the performance, culminating in a rousing finale as they led the crowd in the refrain: “Dale, allez, let’s go!”
“Dai Dai” not only serves as the official song of the 2026 World Cup but also supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at expanding access to education worldwide.
Shakira, whose hits “Waka Waka” and “La La La” became synonymous with past tournaments, reaffirmed her status as the “Queen of World Cup music.” Burna Boy’s appearance marked a milestone for Afrobeats, underscoring the genre’s global rise and Nigeria’s cultural influence on the world stage.
Reactions poured in across social media. Fans hailed Shakira’s enduring energy and Burna Boy’s charisma, with one Nigerian user writing, “Burna Boy carried Africa on his shoulders tonight.” Foreign spectators praised the cultural fusion, with an American fan tweeting, “Shakira and Burna Boy brought Latin fire and African rhythm together, unforgettable.”
Opinion leaders and commentators said the performance symbolized unity through diversity. “This was more than entertainment; it was a cultural statement,” said analyst Chika Okoye. Policy makers in Nigeria applauded Burna Boy’s role as a cultural ambassador, noting that his presence highlighted the country’s soft power. FIFA officials described the opening ceremony as “a celebration of global music and football,” emphasizing the importance of blending sport with advocacy and culture.
Stakeholders in education also welcomed the spotlight on the Global Citizen Education Fund. “Every note sung tonight was a reminder that millions of children deserve access to learning,” said a representative of UNICEF.
The performance was widely regarded as one of the standout moments of the opening ceremony, setting the tone for the month-long football spectacle across Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
