This summer, Shakira brings a long-awaited collaboration to life. The Colombian superstar has confirmed that Ed Sheeran will join her as a special guest for two nights at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on July 20 and 21, 2026. It marks the first time the pair will share a stage, turning years of studio chemistry into a live experience for fans.
From the Met Gala to the Stage
The connection between Shakira and Ed Sheeran began with a chance meeting at the Met Gala, where the two artists finally met in person after years of mutual admiration. That embrace in New York sparked a creative partnership that has quietly grown through late-night studio sessions and shared projects. Their first major collaboration was a vibrant remix of Hips Don't Lie, recorded alongside Beéle at the legendary Power Station Studio A. They also worked together on music for the animated world of Zootopia.
But the most ambitious project to date is the 2026 World Cup anthem, Dai Dai. The track blends afrobeat with Caribbean rhythms and has already racked up millions of streams. All proceeds go to the FIFA Global Education Fund, a cause that resonates deeply with both artists. Shakira, of course, has a long history with the World Cup. Her 2010 anthem Waka Waka became a global phenomenon, and in 2026 she will make history as the first artist to perform a halftime show during a World Cup final.
Shakira's ability to reinvent herself after three decades in music is remarkable. She recently told reporters that she feels she is only just beginning, a sentiment that echoes in her willingness to collaborate with artists like Sheeran. For more on how Shakira built her empire, read Shakira's Intellectual Edge: How a Self-Taught Mind Built a Global Empire.
The Barclays Center shows are part of the second leg of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour, which has already drawn massive crowds across Latin America and the United States. Fans in New York can expect a setlist that spans her career, from Estoy Aquí to Te Felicito, with Sheeran joining for a few surprises. The tour's name, taken from her 2023 album, reflects a theme of resilience that has defined her recent work.
Shakira's influence extends beyond music. She remains a cultural icon in Colombia and across the diaspora, a figure who bridges Latin pop with global sounds. Her partnership with Sheeran, a British singer-songwriter known for his folk-pop roots, shows how Latin music continues to shape the mainstream. For a look at how other Latin artists are making waves, check out Karol G Brings Colombian Cool to Monaco Grand Prix's Fashion Scene.
The World Cup connection also ties into a broader moment for Latin America. The 2026 tournament will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Shakira's involvement is a natural fit, given her deep ties to both the sport and the region. For more on the opening ceremony, see World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony at Estadio Azteca: Shakira, Tribute to Maradona and Pelé, and How to Watch.
Tickets for the Barclays Center shows are expected to sell out quickly. For those who can't make it, the tour will continue through the summer, with stops in Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago. Shakira's legacy as a performer who can fill stadiums and still find new creative partners is a testament to her staying power. As she put it, “I feel like I'm just getting started.”
