By Eugene Ora
Burna Boy and Shakira will take
centre stage at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving
football fans around the world a performance to remember before the tournament
officially gets underway.
The Nigerian Afrobeats superstar and Colombian music icon
have been selected to perform the tournament’s official anthem, Dai Dai,
at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on 11 June.
The performance will take place shortly before the opening
match between Mexico and South Africa, kicking off what promises to be a
month-long football celebration across North America.
According to FIFA, the song was created to reflect the
spirit of the World Cup and the way football brings people together regardless
of language, culture or nationality. The title, Dai Dai, comes from an
Italian expression commonly used to encourage or cheer people on, making it a
fitting soundtrack for the world’s biggest sporting event.
But Burna Boy and Shakira will not be the only stars
entertaining fans.
Colombian reggaeton sensation J Balvin and South African
singer Tyla are also expected to perform during the colourful opening
spectacle.
FIFA said the choice of artists was deliberate, describing
Burna Boy and Shakira as two of the most influential voices in global music
today, capable of capturing the passion, excitement and worldwide appeal of the
tournament.
The celebrations will extend beyond Mexico. In Canada, Michael
Bublé and Alanis Morissette will headline festivities ahead of Canada’s opening
game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto.
Meanwhile, in the United States, pop star Katy Perry and
rapper Future will perform before the USA takes on Paraguay in Los Angeles.
For Shakira, the appearance marks another chapter in her
long-running relationship with the World Cup, having previously delivered
global hits such as Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) and La La La.
The Colombian superstar is also expected to return for the
World Cup final on 19 July, where she will headline the tournament’s first-ever
Super Bowl-style halftime show alongside Madonna and BTS.
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