FIFA has confirmed that international music icons Shakira and Burna Boy will perform Dai Dai, the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, during the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City on June 11. The highly anticipated performance is expected to be one of the major highlights of the opening celebrations for what is set to be the largest FIFA World Cup in history. (vod.fifa.com)
The opening ceremony will take place at Mexico City Stadium, formerly known as Estadio Azteca, approximately 90 minutes before the opening match of the tournament. FIFA said the event will bring together football fans from across the world in a celebration of sport, music, and culture. (vod.fifa.com)
FIFA Confirms Star-Studded Opening Show
According to FIFA, the performance of Dai Dai will mark the first live presentation of the official World Cup song by Shakira and Burna Boy before a global audience. The event will feature a lineup of international artists, reflecting the cultural diversity of the tournament's host nations and participating countries. (vod.fifa.com)
Other performers expected at the ceremony include J Balvin, Tyla, Belinda, Maná, and several other internationally recognized acts. (vod.fifa.com)
FIFA stated that the ceremony is designed to set the tone for a month-long celebration of football that will engage billions of viewers around the globe. (vod.fifa.com)
About the Official Song "Dai Dai"
Released in May 2026, Dai Dai brings together the musical styles of Shakira and Burna Boy, blending Latin rhythms, Afrobeats, dance-pop, and multicultural influences. The song was selected as the official anthem of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and serves as part of FIFA's partnership with the Global Citizen Education Fund. (Inside FIFA)
FIFA says proceeds linked to the project will support efforts to raise funding for educational opportunities and football development programs for children around the world. (Inside FIFA)
The track has already gained international attention, with many fans praising the collaboration between one of Latin music's most recognizable voices and one of Africa's biggest music exports. (Inside FIFA)
Burna Boy's Growing Global Influence
For Nigerian music fans, Burna Boy's participation represents another milestone in the global rise of Afrobeats.
The Grammy Award-winning artist has become one of Africa's most influential musicians, performing on some of the world's biggest stages and collaborating with internationally acclaimed artists.
His selection as a lead performer for the World Cup anthem underscores the growing influence of African music in global entertainment and sports culture. (Inside FIFA)
Many Nigerian fans have welcomed the announcement as a significant achievement for the country's music industry and a source of national pride.
Shakira's Long History with the World Cup
Shakira is no stranger to football's biggest tournament.
The Colombian superstar famously performed Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, which became one of the most successful football anthems of all time.
She also contributed music associated with subsequent World Cups and remains one of the artists most closely associated with FIFA's global tournaments. (bbc.co.uk)
Her return for the 2026 edition has generated excitement among football and music fans worldwide.
The Biggest World Cup Yet
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by Mexico, United States, and Canada.
The tournament will be historic for several reasons, including the expansion from 32 to 48 participating teams and an increase in the number of matches played throughout the competition. (bbc.co.uk)
Mexico will host the opening match and opening ceremony, becoming the first country to host World Cup matches in three different editions of the tournament. (vod.fifa.com)
Global Reactions
The announcement has generated excitement across social media, particularly among football fans and music enthusiasts eager to see the collaboration performed live.
Supporters of both artists have praised FIFA's decision to bring together Latin and African musical influences for the tournament's official anthem, reflecting the global nature of football. (The Economic Times)
Industry observers also note that Burna Boy's prominent role highlights the increasing influence of African artists on major international platforms.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for June 11, shortly before the tournament's first match in Mexico City. FIFA is expected to announce additional entertainment details and performances in the days leading up to kickoff. (vod.fifa.com)
Fans around the world will be watching as Shakira and Burna Boy officially launch the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a live performance of Dai Dai, a song intended to symbolize unity, diversity, and the universal appeal of football. (vod.fifa.com)
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