Why Shakira’s ‘Waka Waka’ Remains the Most Beloved World Cup Anthem in Latin America—And What It Reveals About Fan Culture
Shakira’s “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” holds a 48% lead in a new survey of 7,000 Latin American football fans, making it the most popular World Cup anthem ever in the region—far surpassing Ricky Martin’s “La Copa de la Vida” (16%) and Gianna Nannini’s “Un’estate Italiana” (15%), according to Netquest data for Betsson. The results, published ahead of the 2026 World Cup kickoff in Mexico, highlight how a single song can transcend sports to become a cultural touchstone—one that now sets the stage for Shakira’s return as a 2026 opening act with “Dai Dai.”
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### How Did ‘Waka Waka’ Become the Undisputed Latin American World Cup Anthem?
“Waka Waka” wasn’t just a hit—it became a phenomenon tied to the 2010 World Cup, a tournament remembered in Latin America for Uruguay’s unexpected semifinal run and the region’s collective euphoria. According to a 2021 FIFA study, 68% of Latin American fans surveyed cited the song as their emotional highlight of that tournament, outpacing even the matches themselves.
Why it matters: Unlike traditional anthems, “Waka Waka” wasn’t just background music—it was a rallying cry. Its fusion of African rhythms with Latin pop mirrored the globalized spirit of modern football, while Shakira’s Colombian roots gave it an authentic regional identity. “It wasn’t just an anthem; it was a cultural bridge,” said BBC Sport’s Latin America football correspondent, Carlos Marín, in a 2020 interview.
Comparison: While “La Copa de la Vida” (1998) and “Un’estate Italiana” (1990) remain iconic, their appeal is generational. “Waka Waka” crossed age gaps—appearing in viral TikTok trends, being sampled in reggaeton remixes, and even referenced in political campaigns across Latin America. A 2023 Statista analysis found it was the most streamed World Cup anthem on Spotify globally, with 120 million plays in 2022 alone.
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### Shakira’s Return in 2026: A New Chapter or More of the Same?
Shakira’s performance at the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony—her first since 2010—raises questions: Will “Dai Dai” (featuring Burna Boy) replicate “Waka Waka”’s cultural impact, or will it be overshadowed by newer anthems like “Hayya Hayya” (2022) or “We Are One” (2014)?
Key data points:
- “Hayya Hayya” peaked at 4% in the Netquest survey, reflecting its strong but niche appeal among younger fans.
- “We Are One” (2014) scored 8%, but its message of unity was diluted by mixed reception to the tournament itself.
- “Dai Dai” already has a head start: Its music video, released in 2023, amassed 150 million views in three months—10x faster than “Waka Waka”’s initial rollout.
Expert insight: “The difference this time is Shakira’s global brand,” said Forbes’ Latin music analyst, María Elena Salgado. “In 2010, she was a rising star. Now, she’s a cultural institution. ‘Dai Dai’ won’t just be an anthem—it’ll be a statement.”
Did you know?
The 2010 World Cup’s official anthem was originally written for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa but was rebranded for Latin America after Shakira’s involvement. The song’s title, “Waka Waka,” comes from a Congolese dance rhythm, symbolizing Africa’s role in the tournament—a detail often overlooked in its Latin American reception.
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### What Makes a World Cup Anthem Last? Lessons from the Top 5
The Netquest survey reveals a clear pattern: The most enduring anthems share three traits:
- Regional authenticity: “Waka Waka” (Latin/African), “La Copa de la Vida” (Caribbean/Latin), and “Un’estate Italiana” (Mediterranean) all tied to specific cultural identities.
- Emotional resonance: “Waka Waka”’s lyrics (“This time for Africa”) gave fans a cause to rally behind beyond football.
- Longevity in media: Older anthems like “Un’estate Italiana” (1990) still score well because they’ve been replayed in documentaries, memes, and even video game soundtracks (e.g., FIFA series).
Case study: “We Are One” (2014) flopped in the survey (8%) despite its global cast (Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, Clint Eastwood). Why? The Guardian’s 2015 analysis attributed it to a lack of regional ties—its message of unity felt generic compared to “Waka Waka”’s specific cultural hooks.
Pro tip for fans:
If you’re a football club or brand looking to create a lasting anthem, focus on:
✅ A collaboration with a regional icon (e.g., Shakira for Latin America).
✅ A clear emotional or social message (e.g., “This time for Africa”).
✅ Cross-platform engagement—anthems that thrive on TikTok (like “Hayya Hayya”) or in gaming (like “Un’estate Italiana” in FIFA) have longer shelf lives.
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### The Future of World Cup Anthems: Will AI or Fan Trends Rewrite the Rules?
With the 2026 World Cup expanding to 48 teams, the anthem landscape is evolving. Two trends are reshaping how songs are chosen and received:
- AI-driven fan engagement: FIFA’s 2022 anthem, “Hayya Hayya,” was co-created with input from global fan polls—an early sign of algorithmic influence. A 2023 Reuters report found that 62% of Gen Z fans now expect anthems to be shaped by social media trends.
- Regional fragmentation: The rise of leagues like the African Champions League and CONMEBOL’s increased global profile means future anthems may prioritize continental pride over a single “global” sound.
What happens next?
Experts predict:
🔹 More localized anthems (e.g., a 2030 World Cup in Spain/Portugal could feature a flamenco-infused song).
🔹 Interactive fan contributions (e.g., TikTok challenges to “remix” the anthem before the tournament).
🔹 Data-driven selections (FIFA may use streaming metrics to pick future anthems, not just artist clout).
Reader question:
*“Will ‘Dai Dai’ ever surpass ‘Waka Waka’ in popularity?”*
Not likely in the short term—“Waka Waka”’s cultural embedding is unmatched. But “Dai Dai” could redefine what a World Cup anthem looks like by blending Afrobeats with Shakira’s signature pop, appealing to a younger, globalized fanbase. Billboard’s 2023 Latin music forecast ranked it as the most likely candidate to break the “Waka Waka” mold.
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### FAQ: World Cup Anthems Explained
Why do some anthems become hits while others fade?
Success depends on three factors, per a 2021 JSTOR study on sports marketing:
1. Cultural relevance (e.g., “Waka Waka”’s African-Latin fusion).
2. Artist credibility (Shakira’s status vs. lesser-known acts).
3. Tournament context (2010’s emotional highs vs. 2018’s divisive host nation).
Can a World Cup anthem go viral years later?
Yes—“Un’estate Italiana” (1990) saw a 300% spike in YouTube views after being featured in the 2018 FIFA video game. Nielsen Music data shows nostalgia-driven streams peak every 4–6 years for classic anthems.
Will Shakira perform at every World Cup?
Unlikely. While she’s confirmed for 2026, her schedule (e.g., the Las Vegas residency) and FIFA’s rotating artist policy make long-term commitments rare. The last artist to perform at multiple World Cups was Enrique Iglesias (2006, 2010).
How are future anthems selected?
FIFA typically chooses based on:
✔ Artist availability (e.g., Shakira’s 2026 slot was secured early).
✔ Global appeal (e.g., “Hayya Hayya”’s cast included Travis Scott and Major Lazer).
✔ Cultural fit (e.g., “We Are One”’s American lineup for the U.S.-hosted 2014 Cup).
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### Your Turn: What’s Your Favorite World Cup Anthem?
From “Waka Waka”’s infectious energy to “La Copa de la Vida”’s salsa groove, World Cup anthems are more than music—they’re memories. Which song would you rank #1, and why? Drop your pick in the comments or share your favorite moment tied to a World Cup anthem on social media using #WorldCupAnthems.
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