Photo caption: Shakira and Burna Boy perform at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Photo credit: Billboard
Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian singer Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, delivered a high-energy joint performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, lighting up the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City ahead of the tournament’s opening match between hosts Mexico and South Africa.
The ceremony took place at the renovated 80,000-capacity stadium, featuring fireworks, large-scale choreography and a giant World Cup trophy display as the global football spectacle officially kicked off across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Photo caption: FIFA World Cup Estadio Azteca venue. Photo credit: FIFA
The expanded 48-team tournament will run through July 19, with 104 matches scheduled.
The highlight came when both artists performed the tournament’s official anthem, “Dai Dai,” drawing loud reactions from the crowd as the song made its live debut on football’s biggest stage.
Photo caption: Shakira performs. Photo credit: FIFA
Shakira, dressed in a bright yellow outfit, led a troupe of dancers across the stage, while Burna Boy joined in for his featured sections, with the performance quickly gaining traction online.
Photo caption: Burna Boy and Shakira. Photo credit: ANI News
According to early industry reception, including Billboard coverage of the release, “Dai Dai” has recorded strong global engagement since its mid-May debut, with the song gaining rapid international visibility across streaming platforms ahead of the tournament kickoff.
