Shakira’s latest World Cup song achieves jaw-dropping feat before the first whistle

Shakira’s latest World Cup song achieves jaw-dropping feat before the first whistle, adding another chapter to a relationship with football that now spans two decades. As anticipation builds for the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Colombian superstar has once again found herself at the heart of the tournament's global conversation. Her new anthem, Dai Dai, has already generated massive attention, crossing a major milestone just days after its release and before a single ball has been kicked.

The achievement further strengthens Shakira’s unique place in World Cup history. Few artists have become as closely associated with football’s biggest stage, and with the tournament set to begin across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, her latest contribution is already making an impact well beyond the music charts.

Shakira sparks global frenzy as World Cup anthem rewrites the record books

Released just two weeks ago, Dai Dai sees Shakira collaborate with Nigerian rapper Burna Boy on what has become the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The track will be performed during the opening ceremony in Mexico City on June 11 before hosts Mexico take on South Africa.

The song's rapid rise has pushed Shakira into even rarer territory. Already linked to three previous World Cups, she has now become the first artist to play a central role in four different editions of the tournament.

For Shakira, the connection goes far beyond a professional opportunity.

“I have this connection with football that seems unbreakable.”



Her World Cup journey began in Germany in 2006 when she performed a remix of Hips Don’t Lie before the final. Four years later came Waka Waka (This Time For Africa), a song that evolved into one of the most recognizable football anthems ever created. Its music video has since surpassed 4.5 billion views worldwide. In 2014, La La La continued that success, collecting more than a billion views of its own.

Shakira hopes to inspire a new generation through football’s biggest stage

While the numbers surrounding Dai Dai are impressive, Shakira says the message behind the song matters most. The 49-year-old believes the World Cup remains one of the few events capable of bringing people together across borders and cultures.

“Every World Cup is really magical, and I think this one is going to be all about bringing people together in this very sensitive moment in time, socially and politically.”

The song also supports FIFA’s Global Citizen Education Fund and will feature on the tournament’s official album alongside artists including Stormzy, The Rolling Stones, and J Balvin.

Shakira hopes younger fans connect with the anthem on a personal level.

“It’s a message for every child who’s been told that their dream is too big.

“And to remind us that every champion started out as a kid who perhaps went through hardship and struggles, but there was someone that believed in them, and that’s why they didn’t give up.”

Her World Cup involvement will not end with the opening ceremony. Shakira is also scheduled to co-headline the tournament’s first-ever halftime show at the final on July 19 alongside Madonna and BTS.