More than a decade after leaving an unforgettable mark on the FIFA World Cup with “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” Shakira has once again taken center stage at football’s biggest spectacle.
The Colombian superstar performed at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, where she delivered the tournament’s official song, “Dai Dai,” alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy.
Her return to the World Cup stage sparked a wave of reactions across social media, with many football fans admitting that the performance brought back memories of the unforgettable atmosphere of the 2010 tournament, when “Waka Waka” became a global phenomenon and one of the most iconic football anthems of all time.
In addition to her musical performance, Shakira also drew attention with her striking fashion choice. She appeared in a yellow mesh bodysuit, a color considered one of this summer’s biggest trends. She completed the look with an asymmetrical purple-and-white mini skirt, wavy hair, and black sunglasses, creating a modern and energetic style that perfectly complemented her signature choreography.
With her appearance in 2026, Shakira once again confirmed her special connection with the FIFA World Cup. Her music has been associated with the tournament on four different occasions, although not all of the songs held the same official status.
Her World Cup journey began in 2006 during the tournament in Germany, when she performed a special version of her hit “Hips Don’t Lie,” known as “Bamboo,” at the closing ceremony.
Her biggest football moment came four years later when “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” became the official anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The song turned into a worldwide sensation, topping charts across numerous countries and leaving a lasting legacy in the tournament’s history.
In 2014, during the World Cup in Brazil, Shakira once again became part of the football celebration with “La La La (Brazil 2014).” Although it was not the tournament’s official anthem, the song achieved tremendous popularity and was widely used in promotional campaigns related to the World Cup.
This year, the Colombian star returned to football’s grandest stage with “Dai Dai,” reinforcing the idea that her name remains inseparably linked with World Cup music.
Even today, “Waka Waka” is regarded as one of the most successful and influential songs ever created for a FIFA World Cup. Its blend of infectious Afro-pop rhythms, energetic performance, and uplifting message helped it transcend the tournament itself, ensuring its place at sporting events and international broadcasts around the world.
With her latest performance and a brand-new song, Shakira has once again reminded audiences why she remains one of the most recognizable musical figures in the history of the FIFA World Cup.
