A World Cup icon is set to return for the 2026 edition later this month, as FIFA has confirmed that global music star Shakira will perform at the opening ceremony in Mexico.
The Colombian singer previously made history with her unforgettable 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” which became one of the most iconic songs in tournament history and remains widely popular nearly two decades later.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, Shakira has released a new track titled “Dai Dai,” and fans will see her perform it live on the opening stage.
FIFA has confirmed that Shakira will headline the opening ceremony alongside Burna Boy before the tournament’s first match at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Also read: FIFA World Cup 2026 official song ‘Dai Dai’ featuring Shakira out now
The opening game will be played between Mexico and South Africa on June 11 at 1pm CST, with the ceremony scheduled to begin at 11:30am.
Other performers at the Mexico ceremony will include Colombian reggaeton artist J Balvin and South African singer-songwriter Tyla.
Separate opening ceremonies will also be held in Canada and the United States ahead of their respective opening matches, marking the first time the World Cup will be hosted across three countries. FIFA has planned a series of high-profile celebrations across all host nations.
In Toronto, Canadian artists Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette will headline a ceremony held a day after Mexico’s event, ahead of Canada’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12.
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