Inside Shakira’s 2026 World Cup song: What to know about ‘Dai Dai’ with Burna Boy following 2010 hit
After months of waiting and years of planning, the 2026 World Cup is here. Mexico is draped in color at the sight of the beautiful game’s momentous return.
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The last World Cup to take place in Mexico was a memorable one. Diego Maradona used his fluttering feet — and a balled-up fist — to lead Argentina to its second-ever World Cup.
This tournament is marred in a bit more controversy than that one. Nevertheless, FIFA is investing heavily into the spectacle, hoping it can be a financial boon. Hosted across three different countries and featuring 48 sides, the competition is quite literally the biggest in its history. Only time will tell if it can be the best.
Every good tourney needs an anthem. The 2026 World Cup has its, having tasked one of world music’s biggest stars to craft it. She’ll get a chance to bask in the spotlight of her creation during Thursday’s opening ceremony.
With that, here’s what you need to know about Shakira’s latest World Cup song and subsequent performance at the opening ceremony.
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Inside Shakira’s 2026 World Cup song
Sixteen years after lending her distinctive vocals to one of the grandest anthems in sporting history, Shakira authored up another. FIFA enlisted the Colombian’s services for the 2026 World Cup, hoping lightning could strike twice following her 2010 release for the organization, «Waka Waka.»
Her latest effort, «Dai Dai» is a tropical number that features five different languages — including Shakira’s native tongue, Spanish. The music video featured a host of stars, including Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and Vinicius Junior.
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Shakira opening ceremony details
Shakira is expected to perform the track during Thursday’s opening ceremony. She’s also likely to perform at least part of the aforementioned «Waka Waka», which has commanded upwards of 15 million record sales since its 2010 release.
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She’ll perform under the lights at Estadio Azteca. She’s far from the only dignitary set to take the stage. Burna Boy is slated to join her. J Balvin, Belinda, Danny Ocean and Tyla will also deliver offerings during the spectacle, which will take place about an hour and a half before kickoff of the opening game of the famous tournament, Mexico vs. South Africa.
Here is a full list of the musicians set to perform in Mexico City on Thursday morning.
- Shakira
- Burna Boy
- Alejandro Fernandez
- Belinda
- Danny Ocean
- J Balvin
- Lila Downs
- Los Angeles Azules
- Mana
- Tyla
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What time is Shakira singing at World Cup opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. ET, which is 11:30 a.m. local time in Mexico City.
FIFA hasn’t yet released a full schedule of when performers will take the stage at Estadio Azteca. However, one can assume that Shakira will be the last performer to step on the stage.
How to watch Shakira at World Cup opening ceremony
- TV channel: Fox
- Live stream: Fubo
The opening ceremony for the 2026 World Cup will be broadcast live on Fox. The event will take place about 90 minutes before the start of the first game of Mexico’s clash with South Africa.
Cord-cutters can find the opening ceremony — and subsequent game — on Fubo.
World Cup opening ceremony schedule
- Date: Thursday, June 11
- Location: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
- Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
Thursday’s opening ceremony will kick off at 11:30 a.m. local time (1:30 p.m. ET) on Fox. It’s the first of three opening ceremonies set to take place in the first two days of action. Corresponding ceremonies will take place in Canada (featuring Michael Buble) and Los Angeles (featuring Katy Perry) on Friday, June 12.
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