Shakira kicks off 2026 FIFA World Cup with epic opening ceremony performance

Shakira kicked off the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup with an epic opening ceremony number.

The Colombian pop star, 49, brought the house down Thursday at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, delivering an upbeat performance of her and Nigerian singer Burna Boy’s song, “Dai Dai.”

The track, which they also co-wrote, is the official anthem of this year’s soccer tournament.

Dazzling in a yellow cutout top, a patchwork skort and futuristic sunglasses, Shakira danced up a storm as she rocked her signature hips side to side and whipped her strawberry-blond hair around.

The songstress has now made history by becoming the first and only artist to perform at four separate FIFA World Cups.

Before Shakira and Burna Boy took the stage, the highly anticipated event got underway with a dance routine highlighting Aztec culture.

Mexican rock band Maná followed with a rendition of their hit “Oye Mi Amor,” after which J Balvin, Belinda, Alejandro Fernández, Los Ángeles Azules, Lila Downs and Danny Ocean performed.

The first match of the tournament will see Mexico take on South Africa before South Korea goes up against Czechia Thursday night at Estadio Akron near Guadalajara.

This year’s FIFA World Cup features three separate opening ceremonies across three host nations — Mexico, Canada and the United States — over the span of two days.

On Friday afternoon, Canada’s opening ceremony at BMO Field in Toronto will be headlined by Alanis Morrissette, with additional performances by Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream and William Prince.

Canada’s team will then take on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s squad.

Later that night, ahead of USA vs. Paraguay matchup, Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Lisa, Rema and Tyla will perform during the third and final opening ceremony at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium.

The FIFA World Cup will conclude on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.