The FIFA World Cup 2026 began with a fantastic opening ceremony with Shakira and Burna Boy’s “Dai Dai” as Shakira and Burna Boy took centre stage in a big performance to kick off the tournament at Estadio Azteca, the most iconic stadium in Mexico City. Music, culture, and football were brought together in the first round of the biggest FIFA World Cup in history.
Thousands of fans packed the historic stadium and millions more tuned in around the world as the opening ceremony announced the start of a tournament that will be played in three host nations– Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The highlight of the evening was probably the performance of “Dai Dai,” the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem, by Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy.
As the lights dimmed and the bright lighting inside the stadium revealed the two world music legends to thunderous applause, Shakira and Burna Boy, who were joined by dancers, musicians, and a whole lot of visual effects, performed a great rendition of the song that rocked the whole stadium.
Shakira, who has become so popular with football fans since her first World Cup performances, proved once again why she is one of the most celebrated performers in the world. Her powerful vocals, stage presence, and infectious energy kept fans engaged throughout. The singer’s return to the World Cup stage was welcomed by football fans who still remember her classic tournament songs from previous editions, and she was just as powerful as she was before.
Burna Boy, on the other hand, brought his Afro-fusion style to the global stage. His performance was smooth; in fact, one could feel like he was putting on a show for the world; the music and the anthem’s upbeat rhythm perfectly fit together.
🎥 COMPLETO: Assista à performance de Shakira e Burna Boy cantando “Dai Dai” na cerimônia de abertura da Copa do Mundo FIFA 2026! pic.twitter.com/ZRmltKr9oH
— Central Shakira Brasil 🇧🇷 (@CentralShakira) June 11, 2026
The song “Dai Dai” was composed to express the unity, passion, and excitement of the FIFA World Cup. Drawing on Latin influences, African rhythms, and contemporary pop, the anthem celebrates the way football brings people together from different cultures, languages, and countries. The performance perfectly captured the tournament’s essence with teams and fans from all parts of the world.
The opening ceremony was also very much Mexican in nature: music, dance, and visuals of the country’s rich heritage were all there. Organisers wanted to create an event that was representative of the host country and the global nature of the tournament.
Social media was abuzz with reactions as Shakira and Burna Boy’s performance was instantly hailed all over the world. Fans praised the duo’s chemistry, the quality of the show, and the uplifting message of the anthem. Many considered the performance a great way to kick off football’s biggest event.
The ceremony concluded with fireworks lighting up the Mexico City skyline as players prepared to take the field for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. The display served as a celebration of the World Cup, not only as a sport but also as a celebration of culture, entertainment, and global unity.
Shakira and Burna Boy’s performance of “Dai Dai” as the opening of the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been very special, blending great music and football. In the next few months, fans will picture that opening night as a huge celebration of football and the beginning of a new World Cup.
