Shakira, Burna Boy Light Up 2026 World Cup Opening Ceremony With “Dai Dai” Performance

Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy delivered a spectacular joint performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, energising fans at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City ahead of the tournament’s first match between hosts Mexico and South Africa.

The ceremony, held at the renovated 80,000-capacity stadium, featured fireworks, large-scale choreography, and a dramatic World Cup trophy display, setting the tone for the global football event jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The highlight of the night came when both artists performed the tournament’s official anthem titled “Dai Dai,” marking its live debut on football’s biggest stage. The performance drew loud cheers and widespread excitement from fans inside the stadium and viewers around the world.

Shakira, dressed in a bright yellow outfit, led an energetic dance sequence with a troupe of performers, blending music and choreography in her signature style. Burna Boy joined her on stage for his featured sections, delivering a vibrant performance that added an African touch to the global spectacle.

The collaboration between the two international stars quickly gained attention online, with clips of the performance circulating widely across social media platforms shortly after the ceremony.

Early industry reactions have described “Dai Dai” as a fast-rising global anthem, with strong streaming numbers recorded since its mid-May release. The song has continued to gain traction across multiple digital platforms ahead of the tournament kickoff, benefiting from both artists’ global fan bases.

Organisers said the ceremony was designed to reflect the unity and diversity of the World Cup, bringing together different cultures through music, dance, and sport.

The Estadio Azteca, already historic for being the first stadium to host matches in three different World Cups, once again became the centre of global attention as it hosted the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition.

Fans across the world praised the performance for its energy and cultural blend, noting the significance of featuring both Latin American and African stars on one of the most watched stages in global entertainment.

The World Cup officially commenced immediately after the ceremony, with host nation Mexico taking on South Africa in the tournament’s opening match.