Shakira at the World Cup, 20 Years as a Tournament Song Icon

JAKARTA - Shakira again stole the spotlight at the 2026 World Cup. Citing Gulf News, Friday, June 12, the Colombian singer performed at the opening ceremony in Mexico by performing "Dai Dai" with Burna Boy.

This is not a new stage for Shakira. Her relationship with the World Cup has been going on since 2006. She first appeared through "Hips Don't Lie" at the German World Cup series, including the closing ceremony in Berlin.

Shakira's name is more closely associated with the World Cup after "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" in 2010. The song became one of the most iconic motivational songs in the modern history of the tournament.

In 2014, he returned through "La La La (Brazil 2014)". Now, the 2026 World Cup is Shakira's fourth appearance at the world's biggest football event and the second time she has performed at the opening ceremony.

Shakira once told The Associated Press, as quoted by Gulf News, that World Cup songs must have a rhythm, make people want to dance, and can be sung together loudly. The formula is evident in the songs that make his name inseparable from the FIFA tournament.

His appearance in 2026 was also widely discussed by netizens. Some viewers highlighted the choreography movement which was not smooth. However, many actually praised Shakira's way of dealing with it on stage.

A spectator wrote that Shakira had a wrong move, but managed to put it back together. Another comment called Shakira the "face of the World Cup".

The reputation didn't come overnight. For two decades, Shakira has been one of the most consistent names in World Cup songs and stages.

Shakira's story at the 2026 World Cup is not yet over. She is scheduled to perform again on July 19 in a halftime show with BTS and Madonna.