Shakira is once again set to soundtrack the world's biggest sporting event. The Colombian superstar confirmed that her new single, Dai Dai, will serve as the official anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a release date set for May 14. The announcement came during her whirlwind visit to Rio de Janeiro, where she filmed the music video and choreography at the iconic Maracanã Stadium.
This news arrives on the heels of a monumental moment for the Barranquilla-born artist. Just weeks ago, she performed a free concert on Copacabana Beach that drew an estimated 2 million people—a record-breaking show that underscored her enduring pull across the Americas. That event, which generated significant economic impact for Rio, also showcased her resilience amid personal challenges, as she performed while her father faced a health crisis.
What Does 'Dai Dai' Mean?
The title has sparked curiosity among fans. True to Shakira's knack for crafting catchy, onomatopoeic hooks—like the Waka Waka chorus from 2010—Dai Dai is an Italian expression that translates to “Come on, come on!” or “Go, go!” It's a phrase loaded with energy, motivation, and the kind of encouragement you'd hear from fans in the stands. For a tournament that unites the globe, the choice feels both specific and universal, blending European roots with a sentiment that transcends language.
Shakira's relationship with FIFA is now a storied one. She first left her mark with Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) for the 2010 South Africa World Cup, a song that became a cultural phenomenon. She followed it up with La La La (Brazil 2014), cementing her role as the unofficial queen of World Cup anthems. Now, with the 2026 tournament set to be hosted across North America—including cities like México City, Los Angeles, and Toronto—she's poised to add another chapter to that legacy.
The new single is also part of a broader moment for Shakira. She recently announced additional U.S. dates for her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour after multiple sellouts, as reported by Latino World News. The tour has been a celebration of her catalog and her resilience, drawing fans from across the diaspora.
While details of the song's production remain under wraps, early reports suggest it will fuse global rhythms with that Italian touch of encouragement. The music video, shot at Maracanã, promises to capture the electric atmosphere of Brazilian soccer culture—a fitting backdrop for an anthem meant to lift fans out of their seats.
For bicultural Latinos, Shakira's return to the World Cup stage feels like a homecoming. She represents a bridge between the Spanish-speaking world and the global mainstream, and her music has long been a soundtrack for moments of collective joy. Whether you're watching the matches in a Buenos Aires bar, a Mexico City plaza, or a Miami living room, Dai Dai is likely to become the chant that unites the stands.
The single drops on May 14. Until then, fans can revisit her previous anthems and speculate on what sonic surprises she has in store. One thing is certain: when Shakira steps onto the World Cup stage, the world listens.
