Is it even a true World Cup if Shakira is not providing the soundtrack? The global football community can collectively breathe a sigh of relief because the undisputed queen of sporting anthems has returned.
The 49-year-old Colombian pop icon has officially announced that she is the voice behind the 2026 World Cup, teasing her brand-new track, Dai Dai. Set to be the musical heartbeat of the upcoming summer tournament hosted across the US, Mexico, and Canada, the song promises to be the massive global crossover event we have all been waiting for.
The Announcement: Enter ‘Dai Dai’
On Thursday, fans were treated to a surprise one-minute video posted to Shakira’s Instagram account. Filmed from the iconic Maracana stadium in Brazil (a fittingly historic football location) the teaser gave the world its first taste of Dai Dai.
The track, which officially drops on 14 May, features a collaboration with Nigerian singer and Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy. By blending Shakira’s signature Latin pop sensibilities with Burna Boy’s rhythmic, global sound, Dai Dai is already positioning itself as a cultural milestone. It is a strategic and brilliant musical pairing that recognises the truly international nature of the sport.
A Legacy of Unforgettable Football Anthems
When it comes to the World Cup, Shakira is operating in a league entirely of her own. Dai Dai marks her second time recording the primary official World Cup anthem, but her history with the tournament runs much deeper.
Anyone who was near a radio or television in 2010 remembers the absolute dominance of Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) for the South African tournament. It remains one of the most successful and recognisable sporting songs in history. She followed that up with a secondary theme song, La La La (Brazil 2014), which she performed to a massive global audience at the closing ceremony in Rio de Janeiro.
Even before these official and secondary anthems, Shakira had firmly established her football credentials. She brought the house down at the 2006 closing ceremony in Germany with a vibrant performance of her monumental hit, Hips Don’t Lie. For a generation of fans, her voice is as intrinsically linked to the tournament as the trophy itself.
The 2026 Tournament Landscape
The 2026 World Cup, running from 11 June to 19 July, is set to be the largest in the tournament’s history. For the first time, 48 teams will compete on the global stage, spread across stadiums in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Among those 48 teams will be Shakira’s home country, Colombia, adding a layer of personal pride to her musical involvement. Her connection to the sport has always been deeply personal; she shares two sons with her former partner, ex-Spain and Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. While her personal life has often intersected with the football world, it is her undeniable talent for creating unifying, high-energy music that keeps the organisers coming back.
With Dai Dai releasing soon, the only question remaining is whether this new collaboration with Burna Boy can capture the same lightning in a bottle as Waka Waka. Given Shakira’s track record, it is a very safe bet that stadiums across North America will be bouncing throughout the tournament.
