Burna Boy, Shakira billed for World Cup opening ceremony

Colombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy will perform the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the tournament’s opening ceremony in Mexico City.

The duo are scheduled to take the stage at Estadio Azteca on June 11 before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.

They will perform Dai Dai, the official anthem of the tournament, during the ceremony that will launch the month-long competition.

According to FIFA, the song reflects the unifying spirit of football around the world.

FIFA said: “Dai Dai is a celebration of football’s power to unite people across cultures and continents.”

The title of the song is derived from an Italian expression meaning “let’s go” or “come on” and is expected to be one of the highlights of the opening ceremony.

Joining Shakira and Burna Boy on stage will be J Balvin and Tyla.

FIFA said: “We wanted a song that captures the energy, passion and global spirit of the FIFA World Cup.

“Shakira and Burna Boy bring together two of the world’s most influential musical voices.”

The opening ceremony in Mexico is one of three major celebrations planned across the tournament’s host nations.

In Canada, Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette will headline festivities ahead of Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto on June 12.

Meanwhile, in the United States, Katy Perry and Future are set to perform before the hosts face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.

The performance marks another World Cup appearance for Shakira, whose previous tournament songs, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) and La La La, became global hits.

She is also expected to perform at the World Cup final on July 19, where she will co-headline the tournament’s first Super Bowl-style halftime show alongside Madonna and BTS.