Shakira is back on football's biggest stage. The Colombian superstar has joined forces with British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran to create "Dai Dai," the official anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement, made official on May 13, confirms weeks of speculation and sets the stage for a tournament that will span three host nations for the first time.
The track, set for release this Thursday, May 14, was recorded at the legendary Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. That choice of location is no accident: the Maracanã is hallowed ground for Brazilian football, and the music video, shot on-site, aims to capture the energy and passion of the sport. The collaboration blends Latin rhythms—a hallmark of Shakira's sound—with Sheeran's pop sensibility, creating a track designed to resonate across continents.
A Proven Partnership
This isn't the first time these two artists have worked together. In 2025, they released a reinvented version of "Hips Don't Lie," which dominated charts worldwide. That success proved their chemistry is more than a one-off. With "Dai Dai," they're aiming to replicate that magic on a global scale. Sheeran shared the news on his social media, posting a preview of the video and writing, "Thanks to Shakira for involving me in the writing of this. I can't wait for the World Cup!" Shakira responded in kind, saying, "It's always a pleasure working with you."
The choice of Shakira for a World Cup anthem is almost expected by now. Her previous contributions—"Waka Waka" for the 2010 tournament in South Africa and "La La La" for 2014 in Brazil—have become anthems that still echo in stadiums and living rooms. Her connection to football runs deep, and this new track is poised to join that legacy.
What 'Dai Dai' Means for the Tournament
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time three countries share hosting duties. The anthem needs to reflect that diversity, and "Dai Dai"—with its mix of Spanish and English lyrics—aims to do just that. The title itself, as explored in our piece on the Italian cheer behind the song, carries a universal, chant-like quality that translates easily across languages.
Fans are already drawing comparisons to Shakira's earlier World Cup hits. Whether "Dai Dai" reaches that cultural saturation remains to be seen, but the early buzz is strong. The track's release kicks off the countdown to the tournament, and with Shakira's recent sold-out tour dates and her massive music catalog deal with Sony, her star power is undeniable.
For Latino audiences, this collaboration feels particularly significant. Shakira remains one of the most recognizable Latin artists globally, and her ability to bridge cultures—from Barranquilla to London to Rio—is a point of pride. She represents a diaspora that moves fluidly between worlds, and "Dai Dai" is a testament to that.
The track drops on all streaming platforms on May 14. Until then, fans can catch a glimpse of the video, which features both artists performing against the backdrop of the Maracanã. It's a visual and sonic promise of what's to come: a World Cup that, for the first time, will be played across North America, with an anthem that carries the heartbeat of Latin America.
