The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off in spectacular fashion on Thursday, June 11, as Nigerian Afrobeats icon Burna Boy and Colombian pop superstar Shakira delivered a breathtaking performance at the opening ceremony.
The global music icons lit up the stage, thrilling fans both inside the stadium and watching from millions of screens across the world. The ceremony, held at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City ahead of the tournament’s opening match, marked the official start of the first World Cup to be hosted by three nations—the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
With an expanded format of 48 teams, this edition promised to be the largest in history, and the opening ceremony set the tone for a month of unforgettable football and cultural celebration.
A Fusion of Global Sounds
Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, took center stage representing Nigeria and the African continent with pride. The Grammy-winning artist performed a medley of his biggest hits, including a taste of his contribution to the official tournament anthem “Dai Dai,” alongside Shakira.
His energetic presence and distinctive vocals resonated across the stadium, as fans waved flags and sang along.Shakira, no stranger to the World Cup stage, returned to the tournament that made her anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” a global phenomenon in 2010.
This time, she brought a fresh energy, blending her signature Latin pop sound with Burna Boy’s Afro-fusion vibes, creating a moment that bridged continents and cultures. The duo performed “Dai Dai,” the official anthem for the 2026 World Cup, which was released just weeks ago on May 14.
The song, whose title carries a multilingual spirit of encouragement—”Dai” meaning “Let’s go” in Italian has already become a global hit, capturing the excitement and unity that the tournament represents.
Burna Boy Proudly Representing Nigeria
For Burna Boy, the moment carried deep significance. As one of the most successful African artists of his generation, his performance on the world’s biggest sporting stage represented a victory not just for him but for Nigerian music and African culture as a whole.
The singer, known for hits like “Last Last,” “Ye,” and “On The Low,” has consistently used his platform to celebrate African identity and push back against stereotypes. Standing on the World Cup stage, he delivered a powerful reminder of the global reach and influence of Afrobeats, a genre that has exploded in popularity over the past decade.
Fans across Nigeria erupted in celebration as they watched their superstar represent the nation on such a grand stage.
Social media was flooded with messages of pride and excitement, with many noting that Burna Boy had joined the ranks of African legends who have performed at World Cup ceremonies, including his own inspiration, Fela Kuti’s musical descendants.
A Spectacular Production
The opening ceremony was a visual and auditory spectacle, featuring elaborate choreography, stunning light displays, and cultural performances representing the three host nations.
However, it was the musical collaboration between Burna Boy and Shakira that emerged as the highlight for many viewers.The pair’s chemistry on stage was undeniable, as they moved seamlessly between their individual hits and the collaborative anthem.
Their performance culminated in a fireworks display that lit up the Mexico City sky, signaling the official start of the tournament.
The Road Ahead
Following the ceremony, the focus shifted to the football pitch, as the host nation Mexico faced off against a yet-to-be-determined opponent in the tournament’s opening match. However, for many fans, the memory of Burna Boy and Shakira’s electrifying performance will linger long after the final whistle of the competition.
As the 2026 World Cup unfolds across North America, Burna Boy’s performance will be remembered as a landmark moment for African music, proving once again that the continent’s artists belong on the world’s biggest stages.
From Lagos to London, from Mexico City to Miami, the world watched and celebrated as Nigeria’s own took center stage and delivered a performance for the ages.