Shakira kicked the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 with an epic opening ceremony number.
The Colombian pop star, 49, brought the house to the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, delivering an upbeat performance of her and Nigerian singer Burna Boy’s song “Dai Dai.”
The song, which they also co-wrote, is the official anthem of this year’s football tournament.
Dazzling in a yellow cut-out top, patchwork skort and futuristic sunglasses, Shakira danced up a storm as she swayed her signature hips and swung her strawberry blonde lioness hair.
The singer has now made history by becoming the first and only artist to perform at four separate FIFA World Cups.
Before Shakira and Burna Boy took the stage, the highly anticipated event kicked off with a dance routine that focused on Aztec culture.
Mexican rock band Maná followed with a rendition of their hit “Oye Mi Amor,” after which J Balvin, Belinda, Alejandro Fernández, Los Ángeles Azules, Lila Downs and Danny Ocean performed.
The first match of the tournament sees Mexico take on South Africa before South Korea plays the Czech Republic at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on Thursday evening.
This year’s FIFA World Cup will feature three separate opening ceremonies in three host countries – Mexico, Canada and the United States – over the span of two days.
On Friday afternoon, the Canadian Opening Ceremony at BMO Field will be led by Alanis Morrisette, with additional performances by Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince.
The Canadian team will then compete against the Bosnia and Herzegovina team.
Later that evening, prior to USA vs. Paraguay, Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Lisa, Rema and Tyla will perform at the third and final opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The FIFA World Cup concludes on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Leave a Reply