The Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira has officially announced her return to the global football stage with a new anthem for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Taking to social media on Friday, 8 May 2026, the pop icon released a one-minute teaser for her latest track titled “Dai Dai”, which is set to serve as the official song for the upcoming tournament hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Collaboration and Production Details
The new track features a collaboration with the renowned Nigerian Afro-fusion artist Burna Boy, blending contemporary Afrobeats with Latin and urban rhythms. The teaser video, which was filmed at the historic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, showcases Shakira on the pitch holding “Trionda”, the official match ball for the 2026 tournament.
In a stylistic nod to her historical involvement with the competition, the choreography and set design incorporate official match balls from previous editions, specifically those from the 2006 (Teamgeist), 2010 (Jabulani), and 2014 (Brazuca) World Cups. The visual presentation includes a diverse group of dancers adorned in attire reflecting the national colours of various competing federations.
The chorus of the anthem features the repetitive chant: “Dai, dai, we go, dale, ale, let’s go.”
“Dai” is an Italian expression commonly used to mean “come on” or “go on”.
“Dale” and “Ale” are traditional Spanish and French-derived sporting chants used to encourage movement and progress.
Historical Context of Shakira’s World Cup Anthems
Shakira’s association with the FIFA World Cup spans two decades, establishing her as a central figure in the tournament’s cultural identity. This latest project marks her fourth major contribution to the event:
2006 (Germany): She performed a special “Bamboo” version of “Hips Don’t Lie” during the closing ceremony in Berlin.
2010 (South Africa): She released “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, which remains one of the most successful and viewed official World Cup songs in history.
2014 (Brazil): She provided the track “La La La (Brazil 2014)”, featuring Carlinhos Brown, and performed at the final.
The official FIFA account on X (formerly Twitter) amplified the announcement by sharing the teaser with the caption, “We are ready!”, confirming the song’s status as a primary element of the tournament’s marketing and ceremonial campaign.
Tournament Schedule and Official Launch
The full version of “Dai Dai” is scheduled for formal release on 14 May 2026. The unveiling of the anthem comes just weeks before the tournament’s commencement. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is slated to begin on 11 June 2026, featuring an expanded format of 48 teams.
The opening match of the competition will see co-hosts Mexico face South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This venue holds significant historical importance as the first stadium to host two World Cup finals (1970 and 1986). Following the opening festivities, the tournament will proceed across 16 host cities in North America, culminating in the final match scheduled for 19 July 2026 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
With the inclusion of Burna Boy, the anthem reflects FIFA’s objective to represent a globalised sound, bridging the musical traditions of Africa and Latin America. The teaser has already generated significant engagement across digital platforms, indicating a high level of anticipation for the formal launch next week.