Colombian global superstar Shakira has once again become the face of FIFA World Cup music after unveiling Dai Dai, the official song of the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking her fourth major association with football’s biggest tournament.
The 49-year-old music icon has teamed up with Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy for the anthem, which blends Latin pop, reggaeton and African rhythms in a celebration of football, culture and global unity. FIFA confirmed that the song will serve as the tournament’s official soundtrack while also supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
Shakira’s Long Love Affair with the World Cup
Shakira is no stranger to World Cup history. She delivered the unforgettable Hips Don’t Lie performance at the 2006 World Cup closing ceremony in Germany before creating one of football’s most iconic anthems, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
She returned four years later with La La La (Brazil 2014) and now completes a remarkable World Cup trilogy with Dai Dai, becoming one of the few artists to remain deeply connected to multiple FIFA tournaments across two decades.
Burna Boy Brings African Energy to the Global Anthem
The collaboration with Burna Boy gives the song a strong African influence, with FIFA describing the track as a vibrant fusion of global sounds designed to capture the passion and diversity of the 48-team tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The song features multilingual lyrics and references to football nations from around the world, creating a global soundtrack aimed at uniting fans from every continent.
Ugandan Dance Group Ghetto Kids Join the World Cup Celebration
One of the biggest surprises surrounding the anthem is the involvement of Uganda’s internationally acclaimed dance group, Ghetto Kids.
The energetic dance troupe, famous for their viral performances and appearances on international talent shows, feature prominently in the official music video alongside football superstars and performers from around the world. Their inclusion adds an African dance dimension to the World Cup festivities and has been widely celebrated across the continent.
Football Legends and Global Stars Feature in the Video
The official video showcases several of football’s biggest names, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
Filmed partly at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, the production combines football history, music and dance in a spectacle designed to build excitement ahead of the tournament.
Historic World Cup Halftime Show Planned
FIFA has also confirmed that Shakira will headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Reports indicate she will share the stage with music giants including Madonna, BTS and Coldplay in what is expected to be the most ambitious entertainment production in World Cup history. The traditional halftime break is expected to be extended to accommodate the performances.
Mixed Reactions but Huge Global Attention
While Dai Dai has generated enormous excitement among football fans eager to relive the magic of Waka Waka, the anthem has also sparked debate online, with some critics questioning aspects of its cultural representation. Nevertheless, the song has quickly become one of the most talked-about releases ahead of the 2026 tournament.
With Shakira, Burna Boy, Ghetto Kids and a host of global stars involved, FIFA appears determined to make the 2026 World Cup not only the biggest tournament in football history but also one of its most memorable cultural celebrations.
