Shakira helped launch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in spectacular fashion as she took centre stage during the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City on Thursday night.
The Colombian superstar was among a host of international music stars who performed at the iconic Estadio Azteca ahead of the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, officially kicking off the first-ever 48-team World Cup.
Shakira performed the tournament's official song, Dai Dai, alongside Nigerian singer Burna Boy, with the pair receiving a huge reception from the 80,000-strong crowd.
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The singer, who has become closely associated with World Cup music following the success of her 2010 anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), appeared in a bright yellow bodysuit as she delivered a high-energy performance complete with her trademark choreography.
Burna Boy joined her midway through the song, with the pair performing atop a giant turquoise-and-yellow flag stretched across the pitch bearing the words: "We are ready."
The star-studded ceremony also featured performances from J Balvin, Maná, Belinda, Los Ángeles Azules, Danny Ocean and Andrea Bocelli, showcasing artists from across the globe as FIFA launched what is set to be the biggest World Cup in history.
The celebrations included dancers surrounding a giant replica of the World Cup trophy, while fireworks lit up the sky above the historic stadium, which previously hosted the World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986 and has undergone significant renovations ahead of this year's tournament.
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While the atmosphere inside the stadium was festive, there were reports of crowding outside an official fan zone in central Mexico City, where thousands of supporters gathered to watch the opening match on giant screens.
The 2026 World Cup is being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, with a record 104 matches scheduled before the tournament concludes with the final in New Jersey on July 19.
FIFA World Cup 2026
More musical performances are planned throughout the competition, including ceremonies in the United States and Canada featuring stars such as Katy Perry, Anitta, Lisa, Rema, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé and Alessia Cara.
FIFA has also confirmed a historic first for the competition, with a halftime show set to take place during the World Cup final.
Shakira, Madonna and BTS are scheduled to headline the event at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with the show also supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the opening ceremonies were designed to unite music, culture and football, adding that they would reflect both the individuality of the host nations and the global spirit of the tournament.
