Colombian pop icon Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeat superstar Burna Boy are set to release their highly anticipated collaboration, “Dai Dai,” on Thursday, May 14.
The track has been officially confirmed as the anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The announcement marks a historic moment for African music, as Burna Boy becomes the first Nigerian artist to feature on a FIFA World Cup official anthem. For Shakira, the collaboration continues her remarkable legacy with football’s biggest tournament.
A Teaser That Sparked Global Excitement
Shakira teased the track on Thursday, May 7, sharing a vibrant one-minute video on Instagram filmed at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The footage features the “Hips Don’t Lie” singer holding the tournament’s official match ball, the “Trionda,” as she performs excerpts of the song.
She is joined by dancers dressed in the colors of various participating nations, including the United States and Colombia.”From Maracaná Stadium, here is ‘Dai Dai,’ the FIFA World Cup Official Song 2026,” Shakira wrote on social media. “Coming 5/14.
We’re ready!”The teaser quickly went viral, amassing millions of views within hours and generating widespread excitement across both Latin American and African fan bases.
Shakira’s World Cup Legacy
Shakira’s connection to the FIFA World Cup runs deep. She is widely celebrated for creating the iconic 2010 World Cup anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” which remains one of the most popular football songs of all time, with over 3.5 billion views on YouTube.
The track became a global phenomenon, defining that tournament’s cultural footprint.Shakira also performed “Hips Don’t Lie” at the 2006 World Cup closing ceremony in Germany and released “La La La (Brazil 2014)” for the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
Dai Dai” marks her fourth major contribution to FIFA’s musical lineup, cementing her status as the most recognized female artist associated with the tournament.
Burna Boy’s Historic Moment
For Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu, this collaboration represents the latest milestone in a career defined by breaking barriers. The Grammy-winning artist has been at the forefront of the global Afrobeats movement, selling out arenas worldwide and collaborating with international stars ranging from Beyoncé to Ed Sheeran.
His inclusion on a World Cup anthem signals the mainstream acceptance of Afrobeats as a global genre capable of soundtracking the world’s biggest sporting event.
For Nigerian fans, the announcement has been a source of immense pride, with many celebrating the recognition of African music on such a massive platform.
The Song’s Meaning and Sound
The title “Dai Dai” incorporates a multilingual spirit of encouragement. “Dai” is an Italian expression meaning “Let’s go” or “Come on,” while adding the extra “Dai” doubles down on the sense of urgency, energy, and persistence.
It’s a call to action, urging teams and fans alike to push forward.The teaser offered a glimpse into the song’s energetic, percussion-driven sound that blends Shakira’s signature Latin pop style with Burna Boy’s Afrobeat rhythms.
This fusion mirrors the tournament itself, which will bring together nations and cultures from across the globe.While the full version has not yet been released, fans noted from the preview that the lyrics carry themes of resilience and unity.
Shakira sings lines including: “Here in this place / You belong,” and “What broke you once / Made you strong.” Burna Boy’s verse, teased in the clip, follows a similar pattern, with his signature flow riding over the uptempo beat.
A Historic World Cup Ahead
The 2026 World Cup will be a historic edition, featuring an expanded format of 48 teams for the first time, up from 32. The tournament will kick off on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with the final scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The United States, Mexico, and Canada will serve as co-hosts, marking the first time three nations have jointly hosted the tournament. With 104 matches across 16 cities, it promises to be the largest World Cup in history.
What’s Next
Dai Dai” will be released across all major streaming platforms on May 14, accompanied by a full music video. A live performance is expected during the tournament’s opening ceremony, potentially featuring both artists on the same stage.
For Shakira and Burna Boy, “Dai Dai” represents more than just a song. It is a cultural bridge, connecting Latin America and Africa through the universal language of football and music. And when the world’s eyes turn to North America this summer, their voices will be the soundtrack to history.