Shakira, the Barranquilla-born superstar who has soundtracked some of soccer's biggest moments, is back. On May 14, she'll release 'Dai Dai'—the official anthem for the 2026 World Cup—alongside Nigerian afrobeats icon Burna Boy. The teaser, filmed at Rio de Janeiro's legendary Maracanã Stadium, shows Shakira surrounded by dancers and soccer balls, wearing classic football colors that nod to Brazil's passion and the tri-nation hosting of the tournament.
The title 'Dai Dai' comes from an Italian expression meaning “come on, come on” or “go, go,” a phrase that fits perfectly with the relentless energy of a World Cup. In the snippet, Shakira sings in both English and Spanish, weaving in the familiar “Dale, ale” that has already become a rallying cry in stadiums across the United States, México, and beyond. The collaboration with Burna Boy ensures the track will resonate from Lagos to Los Angeles, from Buenos Aires to Barcelona.
A Legacy That Keeps Growing
This marks Shakira's fourth appearance in a FIFA tournament, following her iconic “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, “La La La (Brazil 2014)”, and her featured role on the 2022 Qatar World Cup song. No other artist has provided the voice for three official anthems and a featured track across four different World Cups. It's a record that speaks to her unique ability to craft choruses that transcend language and borders.
The lyrics in the teaser hint at resilience: “What once broke you made you strong.” That message goes beyond the pitch, resonating with immigrants, athletes, and anyone who has faced adversity. For the bicultural Latino audience, Shakira's return to the World Cup stage feels like a homecoming—a reminder that our stories, our rhythms, and our voices belong on the global stage.
Shakira's recent record-breaking Copacabana show drew 2 million fans and generated $160 million for Rio, proving her pull remains immense. That momentum carries into this World Cup anthem, which promises to be a cultural moment for Latinos across the Americas and the diaspora.
The full music video and song drop on May 14, but the teaser already has fans buzzing. With Burna Boy's afrobeats influence and Shakira's signature blend of pop, rock, and Latin rhythms, 'Dai Dai' feels like a natural evolution from 'Waka Waka'—more powerful, more global, and deeply rooted in the spirit of the game.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches—with matches set across the United States, México, and Canada—Shakira's anthem will likely become the soundtrack for millions of fans. For Latinos, it's a point of pride: our music, our stories, and our artists leading the way.
