Shakira and Burna Boy Unite for Official 2026 FIFA World Cup Anthem

Shakira and Nigerian global music star Burna Boy have officially joined forces to release the anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ahead of next month’s competition.

The highly anticipated track, titled Dai Dai, was officially unveiled on Friday, with Shakira confirming the release through her social media platforms.

“Dai Dai is here. The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts now!” the Colombian superstar wrote in an Instagram post announcing the launch.

The 2026 World Cup — set to become the largest edition in the tournament’s history with 48 participating nations — will begin on 11 June and will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico.

Before the official release, Shakira had already generated excitement among fans after teasing the song with a short preview clip shared online earlier this week.

In a statement accompanying the launch, FIFA described the collaboration as a celebration of football and cultural unity.

“Dai Dai brings together the global sounds and energy of Shakira and Burna Boy in a vibrant celebration of football, culture and unity,” FIFA said.

The organisation also confirmed that royalties generated from the song will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

The release comes amid growing anticipation surrounding the entertainment plans for the tournament, with reports indicating that Madonna and South Korean group BTS are set to headline the first-ever World Cup final half-time show.

Chris Martin, the lead vocalist of Coldplay, revealed the performance line-up in a social media video featuring characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets. He is expected to serve as curator for the landmark event.

The World Cup final is scheduled to take place on 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino had first announced plans for the half-time spectacle in March last year through an Instagram update.

The introduction of a major musical performance could reportedly lead to the traditional 15-minute half-time interval during the final being extended.

According to FIFA, the event will also help support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aiming to raise $100 million (£75 million) to improve access to education and football opportunities for children worldwide.

Half-time entertainment has long been a defining feature of major sporting events in the United States, particularly during the Super Bowl.

Madonna famously headlined the Super Bowl half-time show in 2012, while Shakira performed alongside Jennifer Lopez during the 2020 edition.

Last summer, FIFA also staged a half-time entertainment show at MetLife Stadium during the FIFA Club World Cup final, where Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0.