Shakira has once again made history, opening the World Cup for the fourth time with a performance of stadium-worthy proportions.
The Colombian superstar took the stage at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca alongside Nigerian singer Burna Boy to perform “Dai Dai,” the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — a song the pair also co-wrote together.
Immediately, the internet (and the marie claire Australia office) was awash with awe and praise over the performance.
“Dear @fifaworldcup, Please just give @shakira a lifetime contract already. She understands the assignment and leaves the entire planet singing for the next decade,” one threads user wrote.
Another added: “Shakira once again proved why she is one of the most iconic performers of our time, delivering an electrifying opening ceremony performance that captivated millions around the globe.”
Her hit “Dai Dai,” written for the World Cup, had already broken records before she even stepped on stage. Released on 23 May, the official music video surpassed 100 million views on YouTube in just two weeks — the first World Cup music video of the 2026 tournament to hit that milestone.
Shakira marked the moment on Instagram: “We just reached 100 million views with ‘Dai Dai’ — thank you, you’re the best.”
She is now the first artist to hold an official role at four different World Cups, a run that began at Germany 2006 with “Hips Don’t Lie,” continued with the now-iconic “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” in South Africa 2010 — which has since clocked over 4.5 billion views — and carried through to Brazil 2014 with “La La La.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July, with 48 nations competing across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada — the first time three nations have co-hosted the tournament, and the first edition to use the expanded 48-team format. The schedule moves through a group stage, then a round of 32, round of 16, quarterfinals and two semifinals before the final.
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