Colombian music icon Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy are set to headline the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will perform the tournament’s official anthem ahead of the first match in Mexico City.
The performance is scheduled for 11 June at Estadio Azteca before hosts Mexico take on South Africa in the tournament opener. The duo will deliver Dai Dai, the official World Cup song, during the ceremony.
Announcing the performance, FIFA said: “Dai Dai is a celebration of football’s power to unite people across cultures and continents.”
According to a report by BBC Sport on Friday, the song’s title is derived from an Italian expression meaning “let’s go” or “come on,” and is expected to play a prominent role in the opening festivities.
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The ceremony will also feature performances from Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin and South African singer-songwriter Tyla as part of the entertainment programme launching the month-long football spectacle.
Explaining the choice of performers, FIFA stated: “We wanted a song that captures the energy, passion and global spirit of the FIFA World Cup.” FIFA added, “Shakira and Burna Boy bring together two of the world’s most influential musical voices.”
Beyond Mexico, additional opening celebrations are planned in the tournament’s other host nations.
In Toronto, Canadian artists Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette will lead festivities ahead of Canada’s opening fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 12 June.
In the United States, pop singer Katy Perry and rapper Future are expected to perform at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles before the American team’s clash with Paraguay.
Shakira’s appearance marks another chapter in her longstanding connection with the World Cup, having previously enjoyed global success with tournament songs such as Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) and La La La.
The Colombian star is also expected to feature at the World Cup final on 19 July, where she will share the stage with Madonna and BTS during the competition’s inaugural Super Bowl-style halftime show.