Global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy have been confirmed as headline performers for the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they are expected to perform the tournament’s official anthem ahead of the opening match in Mexico City.
The highly anticipated ceremony is scheduled to take place at Estadio Azteca on June 11, shortly before the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa. The event is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide as the FIFA World Cup returns in an expanded format hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
According to reports, Shakira and Burna Boy will perform Dai Dai, the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The anthem is designed to reflect the unifying spirit of football and celebrate the cultural diversity that the global tournament represents.
As reported by BBC Sport, FIFA described the song as a tribute to football’s unique ability to bring people together across nations, cultures and backgrounds. The governing body noted that the anthem embodies the excitement and shared passion associated with the world’s biggest sporting event.
The title Dai Dai, derived from an Italian expression commonly used to encourage or motivate people, translates roughly to “let’s go” or “come on.” FIFA believes the phrase captures the enthusiasm and energy that define the World Cup experience and is expected to become a rallying cry for fans throughout the tournament.
The opening ceremony will also feature performances from other internationally recognised artists. Colombian reggaeton sensation J Balvin and South African singer-songwriter Tyla are scheduled to join the celebrations, adding further star power to the event.
FIFA explained that the selection of performers was intended to reflect the tournament’s global appeal and multicultural character.
“We wanted a song that captures the energy, passion and global spirit of the FIFA World Cup,” FIFA stated. “Shakira and Burna Boy bring together two of the world’s most influential musical voices.”
The ceremony in Mexico City is one of three major opening celebrations planned across the host nations. In Canada, renowned Canadian artists Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette will lead festivities ahead of Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12.
In the United States, pop superstar Katy Perry and rapper Future are expected to perform before the United States takes on Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
For Shakira, the performance marks another appearance on football’s biggest stage. The Colombian singer has become closely associated with the FIFA World Cup through previous tournament anthems, including the globally successful Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) and La La La, both of which achieved widespread popularity among football fans around the world.
The 2026 World Cup is also expected to feature another milestone in entertainment programming. Shakira has reportedly been lined up to appear at the tournament’s final on July 19, where she is expected to participate in the competition’s first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show alongside Madonna and the globally acclaimed K-pop group BTS.
With a blend of football, music and international culture, FIFA hopes the opening ceremony and accompanying performances will set the tone for what is expected to be one of the most watched sporting events in history.
