MEXICO (Kashmir English): A World Cup icon returns for 2026 at the end of the month after FIFA has confirmed that music sensation Shakira will play at the opening ceremony in Mexico.
It is genuinely no exaggeration to say the Colombian superstar cemented her place in World Cup legend after the release of ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ at the 2010 World Cup held in South Africa.
Almost twenty years later, the song has definitely stood the test of time and is quite simply one of the greatest anthems in World Cup history, still played to this day.
However, for the 2026 World Cup hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, Shakira has released a new song named ‘Dai Dai,’ and supporters of the game will witness the 49-year-old performing the track live.
Shakira to perform new World Cup song live in Mexico
FIFA, the governing body of the game, has announced that Shakira will perform the official World Cup song with Burna Boy ahead of the first match of the competition at the Estadio Azteca, Mexico City.
The Mexico vs South Africa match will take place on 11 June at 1 pm CST, and the ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:30 am. Also performing at the opening ceremony in Mexico is Colombian reggaeton artist J Balvin, along with South African singer-songwriter Tyla.
The Canadian and American nations will stage a separate opening ceremony as well, preceding the game being played on home turf. For the first time, the World Cup has been hosted in three nations, and FIFA is pulling out all the stops.
The Toronto opening ceremony will feature Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette, the day after the Mexico ceremony, preceding Canada’s June 12th game with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
