Colombian global superstar Shakira is set to deliver her official anthem for the 2026 World Cup during the tournament’s opening ceremony in Mexico, bringing a major lineup of music stars to the start of the competition.
Key takeaways
- Shakira will perform the official 2026 World Cup song at the opening ceremony in Mexico.
- She is scheduled to sing “Dai Dai” at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June, ahead of the tournament’s first match.
- J Balvin and Tyla are also confirmed for the Mexico opening show.
- Additional pre-match ceremonies are planned in the USA, Canada and Mexico before the first games involving the host nations.
- Shakira, Madonna and BTS are set to co-headline the World Cup final halftime show on 19 July.
Shakira leads Mexico opening ceremony
Shakira will sing “Dai Dai” alongside Burna Boy at the ceremony on Thursday, 11 June at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The performance comes before Mexico and South Africa play the tournament’s opening fixture, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 BST.
“Dai Dai” is an Italian expression that translates as “let’s go” or “come on.”
Along with Shakira, the Mexico City show will also feature Colombian reggaeton artist J Balvin and South African singer-songwriter Tyla.
The opening ceremonies will be staged ahead of each of the first tournament matches involving the host nations of the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Ceremonies across Canada and the USA
In Canada, Canadian singer-songwriters Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette are set to headline the opening ceremony at BMO Field in Toronto. That show will take place before Canada face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday, 12 June, with the match scheduled for 20:00 BST.
In the United States, pop performer Katy Perry and rapper Future will take the stage before the USA take on Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The match is set for Friday, 12 June, with kick-off listed for Saturday, 02:00 BST.
World Cup final halftime show billed for July 19
Shakira is also expected to co-headline the Super Bowl-style halftime entertainment at this summer’s World Cup final on 19 July. She will appear alongside Madonna and K-pop boy band BTS during the show.
