Shakira returns to the FIFA World Cup stage for the 2026 tournament, marking her position as the most frequent performer of official tournament anthems. She will release the song "Dai Dai" alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy and headline the closing ceremony on July 19, 2026, alongside Madonna, BTS, and characters from Sesame Street.
Why FIFA Continues to Partner with Shakira
FIFA’s decision to bring back Shakira for the 2026 World Cup stems from her long-standing history with the tournament, which began two decades ago. According to official reports, Shakira first performed at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where she delivered a special version of "Hips Don’t Lie." Her ability to connect with global audiences through a mix of Latin, English, and African musical influences—as seen in the 2010 anthem "Waka Waka"—established a blueprint for tournament music.
Her engagement is not purely musical. The partnership is tied to the FIFA Global Education Citizenship Fund. According to project details, the goal is to raise $100 million by the end of the 2026 tournament to provide education and football opportunities for children in underserved communities, a mission Shakira has championed throughout her career.
How "Waka Waka" Redefined Tournament Anthems
"Waka Waka," co-written by Shakira and producer John Hill, remains the most successful anthem in World Cup history. The song’s music video has garnered 4.5 billion views on YouTube, ranking it as the eighth most-watched music video on the platform.
The song’s success set a high bar for subsequent tournaments. While her 2014 track "La La La" was part of the official album, it did not reach the same level of global ubiquity as "Waka Waka." Despite this, Shakira remains the only artist to have provided two official World Cup anthems, cementing her unique status within FIFA’s musical legacy.
Did you know? The tradition of official FIFA World Cup songs only became a global standard under the federation’s direct oversight starting in 1990. Before then, host nations often relied on local artists without centralized FIFA branding.
The Evolution of World Cup Performance Trends
The 2026 closing ceremony will introduce a new format for the tournament: a halftime show. Produced by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, this performance represents a shift toward the high-production styles typically seen in North American sports events.
This trend contrasts with historical anthems that relied on singular hit songs. For instance, while "Waka Waka" dominated the 2010 cycle, other tracks like Ricky Martin’s "La Copa de la Vida" (1998) or non-official hits like Dario G’s "Carnaval de Paris" also left lasting impacts on tournament culture. The 2026 approach blends these legacy expectations with a multi-artist, stadium-scale spectacle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is performing at the 2026 World Cup closing ceremony?
Shakira will headline the closing ceremony on July 19, 2026, alongside Madonna, BTS, and Sesame Street characters.
What is the purpose of the song "Dai Dai"?
"Dai Dai" is the official song for the 2026 World Cup, and its proceeds will support the FIFA Global Education Citizenship Fund, which aims to raise $100 million for education and sports access for children.
Why is Shakira considered the most prominent World Cup artist?
Shakira is the only artist to have performed two official FIFA World Cup anthems. Her history with the event dates back to 2006, and her 2010 anthem "Waka Waka" is widely regarded as the most successful in the tournament’s history.
Are you a fan of the official World Cup anthems? Share your favorite tournament song of all time in the comments section below.
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