The Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira has officially confirmed her return to the pinnacle of global football, announcing a new anthem for the FIFA World Cup 2026. On Friday, 8 May 2026, the pop icon utilised social media to release a one-minute teaser for her latest track, titled “Dai Dai”. This composition is designated to serve as the official song for the upcoming tournament, which is to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Collaboration and Artistic Production
The new track represents a high-profile collaboration with the acclaimed Nigerian Afro-fusion artist Burna Boy. The production blends contemporary Afrobeats with Latin and urban rhythms, aiming for a sound that resonates across multiple continents. The teaser video was filmed at the historic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, featuring Shakira on the pitch holding “Trionda”, the official match ball manufactured for the 2026 tournament.
In a stylistic tribute to her long-standing history with the competition, the video’s choreography and set design incorporate the official match balls from three previous editions:
The Teamgeist (Germany 2006)
The Jabulani (South Africa 2010)
The Brazuca (Brazil 2014)
The visual presentation further includes a diverse ensemble of dancers dressed in attire reflecting the national colours of various competing federations. The chorus of the anthem features a repetitive chant: “Dai, dai, we go, dale, ale, let’s go.” Analysis of these lyrics indicates a deliberate multicultural appeal; “Dai” is an Italian expression signifying “come on” or “go on”, whilst “Dale” and “Ale” are widely recognised Spanish and French-derived sporting chants used to encourage enthusiasm and momentum.
Historical Significance and FIFA Endorsement
Shakira’s association with the FIFA World Cup now spans two decades, solidifying her role as a central figure in the tournament’s cultural identity. “Dai Dai” marks her fourth major musical contribution to the event:
2006 (Germany): She performed the “Bamboo” version of her hit “Hips Don’t Lie” during the closing ceremony in Berlin.
2010 (South Africa): She released “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, which remains the most commercially successful official World Cup song to date.
2014 (Brazil): She recorded “La La La (Brazil 2014)”, featuring Carlinhos Brown, and performed during the final celebrations.
The official FIFA account on X (formerly Twitter) reinforced the announcement by sharing the teaser with the caption, “We are ready!”. This endorsement confirms the track’s status as a primary component of the tournament’s official marketing and ceremonial campaign.
Tournament Schedule and Official Release
The full version of “Dai Dai” is scheduled for its formal global release on 14 May 2026. The unveiling of this anthem comes just weeks before the tournament’s commencement. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to begin on 11 June 2026, introducing an expanded format that includes 48 teams.
The opening match will feature co-hosts Mexico against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. This venue holds unique historical status as the first stadium to host two World Cup finals (1970 and 1986). Following the opening ceremony and match, the tournament will be staged across 16 host cities in North America. The competition will culminate in the final match, scheduled for 19 July 2026 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
By including Burna Boy, the anthem aligns with FIFA’s objective to present a globalised sound that bridges the musical traditions of Africa and Latin America, underscoring the 2026 tournament’s core theme of international unity.