Global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy have released “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 World Cup. The song, which blends Afrobeats with Latin Pop, aims to capture the energy and passion of the tournament, with royalties supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

The song’s release marks Shakira’s fourth World Cup-related song, following her hit “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” in 2010. “Dai Dai” features inspirational messages, references to famous soccer players, and the names of countries participating in the tournament.

World Cup Song Tradition

Shakira is no stranger to making World Cup music, having performed at the 2006 and 2014 tournaments. Her hit “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” earned the Guinness World Record for most streamed FIFA World Cup song on Spotify, with over a billion listens.

Burna Boy, a Nigerian singer, brings Afrobeats to a mainstream audience, having won a Grammy Award and sold out a US stadium. The collaboration between Shakira and Burna Boy is seen as an effort to appeal to a broad audience, including Latin and sub-Saharan African populations.

Music has been a part of the World Cup since its debut in 1930, with FIFA moving towards more global-sounding songs in the 1990s. The selection process for the official song is unclear, but “Dai Dai” is expected to be a highlight of the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19.

Reactions and Implications

Fans can expect to hear “Dai Dai” at the first-ever halftime show at the World Cup final in New Jersey, where Shakira will perform alongside Madonna and K-pop band BTS. The song’s release is seen as a significant moment in the lead-up to the tournament, with music playing a key role in shaping the World Cup experience.

The success of “Dai Dai” will depend on its ability to resonate with a global audience, but with Shakira and Burna Boy at the helm, it’s likely to be a hit. As the world prepares for the 2026 World Cup, “Dai Dai” is set to become an anthem for the tournament, inspiring fans and players alike.

The World Cup’s ability to bring people together through music and sports is a powerful reminder of the tournament’s broader significance, extending beyond the pitch to unite people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.