Shakira And Burna Boy Light Up Fifa World Cup 2026 Opener With 'Dai Dai'

Kickoff Extravaganza at Estadio Azteca

The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off with a dazzling spectacle at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Against a breathtaking backdrop of fireworks, cultural tributes, and a star-studded lineup, the opening ceremony delivered a grand spectacle before Mexico and South Africa faced each other in the tournament's first match on Thursday, June 11. The vibrant evening set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.

Shakira and Burna Boy Lead the Spectacle

The night’s most eagerly awaited moment was undeniably the performance by Colombian diva Shakira and Nigerian sensation Burna Boy. Their explosive rendition of the official World Cup anthem "Dai Dai" received a thunderous response from the 80,000-strong crowd. The performance wasn’t just about music – it was a full-blown production, complete with dancers, light displays, and dazzling pyrotechnics that lit up the historic venue.

“Performing at the opening ceremony of the World Cup is a dream come true,” shared Shakira. “The energy in the stadium was electric!”

Adding an unexpected twist to the night, Shakira was later spotted dancing merengue with her brother, a delightful moment that captured the festive spirit of the event.

International Stars Add to the Glamour

The opening ceremony was a global music feast with a lineup that sparkled with international stars. Alongside Shakira and Burna Boy, talents like Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla graced the stage. The iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli also contributed to the pre-match performances, heightening the excitement as fans awaited the kickoff.

'Dai Dai' Makes Waves Worldwide

The anthem "Dai Dai," performed by Shakira and Burna Boy, has already made waves, topping a Billboard readers' poll as the greatest World Cup song ever with over 31% of the vote. This accolade narrowly surpassed Shakira’s previous hit, "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," which garnered more than 26% of the votes.

The Queen of World Cup Anthems

Shakira's enduring partnership with the FIFA World Cup reached new heights in 2026, marking her fifth performance at the prestigious event. From the unforgettable "Hips Don’t Lie" in Germany 2006, through the legendary "Waka Waka" in South Africa 2010, to "La La La" in Brazil 2014, her legacy continues to grow with every World Cup appearance.