Shakira has announced her return as the official voice of the FIFA World Cup 2026, unveiling "Dai Dai," a collaboration with Nigerian artist Burna Boy. She shared a sneak peek of the song on her Instagram account.
"From the iconic Maracanã Stadium, here's 'Dai Dai,' the official anthem of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Dropping on May 14. We are ready!" she exclaimed alongside the preview of the video.
The teaser, filmed at the legendary Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, features the Colombian superstar on the lush field of this South American landmark. The full song will debut on May 14, just weeks ahead of the tournament's kickoff on June 11, 2026.
The Return of a World Cup Icon
Shakira's reappearance on the World Cup stage reignites a sentiment cherished by her fans: there is no World Cup without her anthem. She first took center stage with "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" for the 2010 South Africa World Cup, a track that topped charts in 20 countries, sold over 15 million copies, and garnered more than 3.8 billion views on YouTube.
In 2014, she continued her World Cup legacy with "La La La (Brazil 2014)" during the Brazil tournament. Her absence from the 2018 Russia World Cup—where FIFA chose Nicky Jam, Will Smith, and Era Istrefi to perform "Live It Up"—and the 2022 Qatar World Cup, heightened anticipation that is now satisfied with "Dai Dai."
A Dynamic Duo of Global Sounds
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, is no stranger to the World Cup scene. The Nigerian artist contributed to the Qatar 2022 soundtrack with "Hayya Hayya (Better Together)" and won a Grammy for Best Global Music Album with "Twice as Tall" (2020). This collaboration blends Latin pop with afrobeats, two of the most influential global genres today.
The announcement coincides with a busy period for Shakira. She recently released music videos for "Algo tú" with Beéle and "Choka Choka" with Anitta, both featured in her album "Equilibrivm."
The Largest World Cup Yet
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, featuring 16 stadiums and 48 teams, making it the largest tournament in history. The opening match is set for the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with the final scheduled for July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions About the FIFA World Cup 2026
When will the FIFA World Cup 2026 take place?
The tournament is scheduled to occur from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Which countries are hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Who is collaborating with Shakira on the World Cup 2026 anthem?
Shakira is collaborating with Nigerian artist Burna Boy on the anthem "Dai Dai."
What is the significance of the song "Waka Waka"?
"Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" was Shakira's anthem for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, achieving massive success worldwide.