FIFA Announces Shakira as Headliner for 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony
In a highly anticipated announcement, FIFA revealed that Shakira will headline the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup, which is set to take place in Mexico City. The renowned Colombian singer is scheduled to take the stage at the iconic Estadio Azteca on June 11, just prior to the kickoff of the first match between Mexico and South Africa.
Shakira will perform the tournament’s official anthem, “Dai Dai,” alongside Nigerian superstar Burna Boy. The title “Dai Dai,” which translates from Italian to mean “let’s go” or “come on,” was announced as the official song earlier in the year.
Shakira’s Legacy at the World Cup
This marks another illustrious appearance for Shakira at the World Cup, following her global hit “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” from 2010, which has become synonymous with the tournament. She has been a significant presence at previous World Cups, having performed in 2006, 2010, and 2014, establishing herself as one of the most recognizable artists within the realm of international football.
Additional Performers and New Format
Joining Shakira and Burna Boy will be Colombian reggaeton sensation J Balvin and South African talent Tyla, as FIFA commemorates the first-ever 48-team World Cup, which will unfold throughout three host countries: Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
In this new format, FIFA is set to hold opening ceremonies in each of the three nations prior to the respective first matches—a shift from the traditional single-event setup in past tournaments. For instance, Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette will perform in Toronto at BMO Field as Canada kicks off its campaign against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12. Later that same day, pop powerhouse Katy Perry and rapper Future will take the stage in Los Angeles, welcoming the U.S. men’s national team as they face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.
A Historic Tournament Ahead
The 2026 World Cup promises to be a historic event, expanding the competition from 32 to 48 teams and ramping up the total number of matches to 104. The tournament will commence in the renowned Estadio Azteca and conclude after 39 days of thrilling matches across 16 cities in North America, culminating in the New York/New Jersey area.
