Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Shakira returned to the FIFA World Cup stage in Mexico City, performing alongside Nigerian superstar Burna Boy before Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa at Estadio Azteca. The Latin music icon helped launch the 2026 tournament with a live performance of Dai Dai, the official World Cup song, as thousands of fans packed the historic stadium ahead of the opening match. The performance added another chapter to Shakira's long association with football's biggest event and immediately sparked comparisons with her previous World Cup appearances.
The Colombian singer remains one of the most recognisable musical figures linked to the tournament.
Her appearance at the opening ceremony was one of the most anticipated entertainment moments of the World Cup's opening day.
Shakira and Burna Boy Unveil Dai Dai
Shakira and Burna Boy performed Dai Dai in front of a packed crowd at Azteca Stadium before kickoff.
The upbeat track, whose title translates from Italian as "Let's Go", has been selected as one of the signature songs of the 2026 tournament.
Shakira delivered her trademark stage presence with energetic choreography, while Burna Boy joined her on stage as part of the collaborative performance.
The ceremony also featured appearances from other Latin music stars, helping create a festive atmosphere before the opening whistle.
Supporters responded enthusiastically as the stadium celebrated the beginning of another World Cup.
Fans Compare New Performance to Waka Waka
Despite the positive reception, many football fans quickly compared the performance to Shakira's iconic World Cup appearances from previous tournaments.
Her 2010 anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) remains one of the most popular World Cup songs ever released and continues to be closely associated with the competition.
Shakira also performed at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 tournaments, making her one of the most frequent musical performers in World Cup history.
Social media platforms were flooded with comments praising her continued connection to the event while debating whether any future song could match the impact of Waka Waka.
Many supporters described Shakira and the World Cup as one of football's most enduring partnerships.
Burna Boy Draws Attention
While Shakira received widespread praise, Burna Boy's performance generated mixed reactions online.
The Grammy Award winning Nigerian artist stood out visually, wearing a denim outfit while many performers appeared in coordinated yellow and white costumes.
Some viewers questioned whether he appeared fully synchronised with the choreography during portions of the performance.
Others welcomed the inclusion of one of Africa's biggest contemporary music stars in the ceremony.
Regardless of the online debate, Burna Boy's involvement highlighted FIFA's effort to showcase artists from different regions of the world.
Star Studded Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony included appearances from several high profile entertainers.
Latin music stars J Balvin, Tyla and Mana participated in the celebrations, while actress Salma Hayek delivered an official welcome address in her role as a FIFA ambassador.
The combination of music, culture and sport reflected FIFA's goal of creating a global spectacle ahead of the opening match.
With the World Cup being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, organisers have emphasised cultural diversity throughout the tournament launch events.
The opening ceremony provided an opportunity to showcase that international flavour to a worldwide audience.
Long Standing Football Connection
Shakira's relationship with football extends beyond her World Cup performances.
The singer shares two children with former Spain defender Gerard Piqué, who represented his country at three World Cups and played a key role in Spain's historic 2010 triumph.
Her connection to the sport has helped maintain her popularity among football supporters over the past two decades.
That relationship was evident once again as fans welcomed her return to the World Cup stage.
Her appearance further strengthened a legacy that has become closely intertwined with football's biggest tournament.
More Opening Celebrations Planned
The festivities will continue across the tournament's host nations.
Canada is set to stage its own opening ceremony at BMO Field in Toronto before the national team's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The event will feature performances from Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara and Michael Bublé.
Meanwhile, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles will host a major pre match show before the United States faces Paraguay.
Katy Perry, Future and LISA are among the headline performers scheduled to appear.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins across North America, Shakira's latest performance has once again ensured music plays a central role in football's biggest celebration.