Global music stars Burna Boy and Shakira took center stage at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, delivering a memorable performance that set the tone for football’s biggest tournament.
The international music icons performed the tournament’s official anthem, “Dai Dai,” before a packed crowd at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday.
Their appearance marked one of the most anticipated moments of the opening celebrations.
Music Meets Football on the Global Stage
The opening ceremony showcased a blend of sport, culture and entertainment, bringing together artists from different parts of the world.
Burna Boy represented Africa on one of football’s grandest stages, while Colombian superstar Shakira once again demonstrated her long-standing connection with FIFA events.
The performance came shortly after the opening match involving hosts Mexico and South Africa.
Burna Boy Brings Energy to World Cup Celebration
The Grammy-winning Nigerian singer delivered an energetic rendition of “Dai Dai,” drawing loud reactions from supporters inside the stadium.
His appearance further cemented his growing reputation as one of Africa’s biggest global music exports.
Over the past few years, Burna Boy has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious events, and the World Cup opening ceremony added another milestone to his international profile.
Shakira Returns to FIFA Spotlight
Shakira also thrilled fans as she performed part of the official World Cup song.
The Colombian superstar is no stranger to football’s global showcase, having previously delivered some of the most memorable World Cup performances in tournament history.
Her return to the FIFA stage generated excitement among football and music fans alike.
Historic World Cup Gets Underway
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already making history as the first edition to feature 48 participating nations.
The tournament is jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States, making it the largest World Cup ever staged.
Organizers expect millions of fans around the world to follow the competition over the coming weeks.
Global Audience Watches Opening Spectacle
The opening ceremony quickly became one of the most talked-about moments on social media, with clips and images of Burna Boy and Shakira’s performance spreading across multiple platforms.
Fans praised the blend of African and Latin American musical influences showcased during the event.
As the tournament officially begins, the performance has provided a memorable start to what promises to be a historic World Cup.
Spotlight Turns to Football
With the celebrations complete, attention now shifts to the action on the pitch as teams begin their quest for football’s most coveted trophy.
For Burna Boy, the performance represents another major achievement on the global stage, while FIFA fans will remember the opening ceremony as one of the standout moments of the tournament’s launch.