The Queen of World Cup Music Reclaims Her Throne: Shakira Returns for 2026

There is a saying among football fans that “the World Cup doesn’t truly begin until Shakira sings.” After a 16-year hiatus from providing the tournament’s official main anthem, the Colombian superstar has officially announced her return to the FIFA musical lineup, sending social media into a frenzy and promising to bring back the “Waka Waka” magic to the 2026 stage.
A Historic Comeback 16 Years in the Making . The world still remembers the cultural phenomenon of 2010. Shakira’s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” became more than just a song; it became the heartbeat of the South African World Cup and remains the most successful football anthem in history. While the last three tournaments featured various global stars, fans have long felt a “Shakira-sized” hole in the festivities.
That wait is now over. FIFA has confirmed that Shakira will lead the musical charge for the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
The New Anthem: “Dai Dai”
The new official track is titled “Dai Dai,” an Italian expression that translates to an encouraging “Come on!” or “Go for it!” The choice of title reflects the high-energy, motivational spirit the tournament aims to project as it expands to a 48-team format.
To ensure the song resonates globally, Shakira has collaborated with Burna Boy, the Nigerian Afrobeat titan. The fusion of Shakira’s Latin-pop roots with Burna Boy’s infectious African rhythms is expected to create a cross-cultural anthem that bridges the continents—much like the tournament itself.
Teasing the World from the Maracanã . The hype reached a boiling point on May 7 when Shakira dropped a cinematic teaser filmed at the legendary Maracanã Stadium in Brazil.
In the clip, Shakira is seen on the pitch surrounded by dancers dressed in the vibrant colors of the various participating nations. The teaser features powerful lyrics like “What once broke you, made you strong,” signaling a theme of resilience and triumph that transcends the sport. She is seen holding the “Trionda,” the official match ball for the 2026 tournament, further cementing the song’s official status. Fans won’t have to wait long to hear the full production. The official release of “Dai Dai” is set for May 14, just weeks before the tournament kicks off on June 11.
With the combined star power of Shakira and Burna Boy, and a music video shot in one of football’s most sacred cathedrals, FIFA is betting big that “Dai Dai” will become the next global earworm to define a generation of football history.