Shakira is back in the FIFA spotlight with ‘Dai Dai,’ the official 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 song, a vibrant reggaetón-flavored Afrobeats track featuring Burna Boy. The announcement arrives as the Colombian superstar continues to dominate global stages, reaffirming her place as a defining voice in World Cup stadium anthems and sporting culture.

The song was first teased through a short Instagram clip shared alongside FIFA and Global Citizen. It features Shakira performing inside the iconic Maracanã Stadium, blending football imagery with her signature stage presence. Dressed in bold colors and holding a football, she delivered lines centered on unity and resilience.

Sweeping aerial visuals of the stadium follow, paired with the tagline “We are ready,” hinting at a larger visual rollout. The teaser builds anticipation for the full music video, set to release on May 14. The imagery leans heavily into global fandom and shared celebration, echoing the spirit of the tournament.

‘Dai Dai’ blends Latin pop and reggaetón influences with Afrobeats rhythms, creating a cross-continental sound. The track follows the success of her 2010 hit ‘Waka Waka,’ a defining World Cup anthem that topped charts worldwide. Its release also comes after her massive Copacabana performance and ongoing tour expansion, reinforcing her global reach.

But beyond the spectacle, the song also arrives at a moment when FIFA’s musical direction has faced scrutiny.

Shakira’s song as a respite from Lighter

In contrast to the reception of ‘Lighter’ by Jelly Roll, ‘Dai Dai’ lands with a noticeably different energy. The earlier track, released as part of the official World Cup album rollout, drew criticism for its slower, country-leaning sound. Many listeners felt it lacked the urgency expected from a global football anthem.

Online reactions to ‘Lighter’ pointed to a disconnect between the song and the tournament’s high-energy identity. Fans compared it unfavorably to past hits like ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ and ‘Wavin’ Flag’ by K'naan. The sentiment highlighted a growing demand for music that captures the scale and excitement of the World Cup.

Against that backdrop, Shakira's ‘Dai Dai’ feels like a shift back to form. Its upbeat production and global influences align more closely with what audiences expect from FIFA soundtracks. For many, the Maracanã teaser signals a return to anthems designed to unite fans across cultures and stadiums.

What do you think about ‘Dai Dai’ as the new World Cup anthem? Does it live up to past classics or fall short? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Pratham Gurung

Edited by

Adiba Nizami