Shakira Returns with New FIFA World Cup Anthem

  • Publish date: since 3 days Reading time: two min read

The 'Waka Waka' icon teams up with Burna Boy for 'Dai Dai', the official anthem for the tri-nation 2026 tournament.

After years of fan speculation and demands for a return to the global stage, Shakira has officially confirmed her comeback to the FIFA World Cup. The Colombian icon has unveiled a brand-new anthem titled 'Dai Dai', created specifically for the 2026 tournament, featuring Nigerian Afrobeat superstar Burna Boy. The collaboration marks a significant moment for football music, reuniting the artist who defined the genre for two decades with the world's biggest sporting event.

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The announcement was accompanied by a teaser video filmed inside the legendary Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, instantly triggering nostalgia among fans worldwide. In the clip, Shakira is seen surrounded by dancers wearing the colors of various national teams, with snippets of the new track playing in the background. The full song is scheduled for a global release on May 14, building anticipation for the summer tournament.

Shakira's association with the World Cup is nearly unmatched in modern sports history. Her 2010 hit 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' remains one of the most recognizable and streamed football anthems of all time. Coupled with 'La La La' for Brazil 2014 and her iconic performances of 'Hips Don't Lie' during previous tournaments, she has long been considered the unofficial soundtrack queen of the game. Social media reaction to the news was immediate, with many fans describing the announcement as a "full-circle moment" and joking that FIFA should entrust all future anthems to her.

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a historic event, taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The tournament kicks off at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City and will conclude with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This year's edition promises to be a massive pop culture spectacle, not just a sporting competition. In a first for the tournament, FIFA is planning a Super Bowl-style halftime show for the final, with Coldplay's Chris Martin curating the lineup. With Shakira's return, Burna Boy's involvement, and a heavy emphasis on music culture, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a defining cultural event.

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