As the dust settles on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football fans around the globe are reflecting on the unforgettable moments that defined the tournament. While the matches, goals and newly crowned champions will dominate sporting conversations, the tournament also reaffirmed something beyond football itself: Shakira remains the unmistakable musical voice of the FIFA World Cup.
For nearly two decades, the Colombian superstar has done more than perform at football’s biggest event—she has helped shape its cultural identity. Every time the FIFA World Cup rolls around, her music finds its way back into playlists, stadiums and social media feeds, connecting generations of football fans through songs that have become synonymous with the beautiful game.
The Song That Changed Everything
Although Shakira first appeared at the FIFA World Cup in 2006 with a performance of Hips Don’t Lie during the closing ceremony, it was 2010’s Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) that transformed her into football’s ultimate music icon.
Released as the official anthem for the first FIFA World Cup hosted on African soil, the song celebrated hope, resilience and unity while embracing African rhythms and culture. Its infectious chorus and energetic choreography made it an instant global phenomenon.
More than a decade later, Waka Waka continues to enjoy remarkable popularity. It remains one of the most-streamed World Cup songs ever, and every new tournament inevitably sparks fresh debates about whether any anthem has managed to surpass it.
For many fans, the answer is still no.
Keeping the Momentum Alive
Shakira’s relationship with the FIFA World Cup didn’t end in South Africa.
She returned in 2014 with La La La (Brazil 2014), proving that her connection to football wasn’t built on one successful song alone. The track once again blended infectious rhythms with football’s celebratory spirit, reinforcing her status as one of FIFA’s most recognisable musical collaborators.
By then, Shakira had become more than an artist invited to perform—she had become part of the World Cup experience itself.
A New Chapter With Dai Dai
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked Shakira’s long-awaited return to the global football stage.
Joining forces with Nigerian Grammy-winning star Burna Boy, she introduced Dai Dai, a vibrant collaboration that fused Latin pop with Afro-fusion influences, reflecting the diversity that defines modern football.
The tournament also saw Shakira headline FIFA’s first-ever World Cup Final Halftime Show, adding another milestone to an already remarkable World Cup résumé.
For longtime fans, it wasn’t just another performance. It was a reminder that while football continues to evolve, Shakira remains one of the few artists whose presence feels inseparable from the tournament.
More Than Music
What makes Shakira’s World Cup legacy so unique isn’t simply the number of songs or performances attached to her name. It’s the emotional connection her music creates.
Waka Waka instantly transports millions back to South Africa in 2010. La La La recalls the excitement of Brazil 2014. And now, Dai Dai has become part of the memories created during the 2026 tournament.
Few artists can claim that their music has become a time capsule for football fans across multiple generations.
The Soundtrack of Football’s Biggest Stage
The FIFA World Cup has featured performances from some of the biggest names in music, but Shakira’s legacy stands apart because of its consistency, longevity and global appeal.
She has become more than a performer. She has become a symbol of celebration, unity and the shared joy that football inspires.
From Waka Waka to Dai Dai, Shakira has proven that while trophies are lifted and champions change every four years, some legacies only grow stronger with time.
As the final whistle has blown on another unforgettable FIFA World Cup, one thing is certain: when football fans look back on the tournament’s greatest musical moments, Shakira’s voice will continue to echo long after the celebrations have ended.