Shakira Teases Official 2026 FIFA World Cup Anthem “Dai Dai”
On Thursday, Colombian pop icon Shakira shared a one‑minute teaser clip on her social media channels, announcing that the snippet is from her upcoming song “Dai Dai,” which she bills as the official anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The video shows her standing on the pitch of Rio de Janeiro’s historic Maracanã Stadium, surrounded by dancers, while she sings:
“Here in this place / You belong,”
“What once broke you / made you strong.”
The post also name‑checks Afrobeats star Burna Boy, hinting at a possible collaboration, and confirms that the full track will be released on May 14, 2025.
The Teaser and Its Meaning
The Maracanã, which hosted the 2014 World Cup final and the 2016 Olympic opening ceremony, serves as a symbolic backdrop for Shakira’s message of unity and resilience. The lyrics echo themes she explored in her 2010 World Cup hit “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)” – overcoming adversity through sport and music. By filming at the stadium, Shakira ties the song directly to the tournament’s host nation, Brazil, while aiming for a global appeal.
Collaboration with Burna Boy and Release Timeline
Although the teaser features only Shakira’s vocals and a male harmony, her caption explicitly mentions Burna Boy, the Nigerian Afrobeats Grammy winner known for tracks like “Ye” and “Last Last.” Industry observers speculate that Burna Boy may contribute a verse or production elements, blending Latin pop with contemporary African rhythms—a fusion that aligns with the tournament’s multicultural spirit.
The official release date of May 14 gives fans roughly a month to anticipate the song before the World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2025.
2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule
FIFA has confirmed that the 2026 edition will be the first to feature 48 teams, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament opens with Mexico facing South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11. The final is slated for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just outside New York City.
- Opening match: Mexico vs. South Africa – June 11, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Final: July 19, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Shakira’s History with World Cup Music
Shakira is no stranger to crafting World Cup anthems. Her 2010 song “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)” became the official soundtrack for the South African tournament, topping charts in over 20 countries and earning multiple certifications. The track’s success cemented her reputation as a go‑to artist for major sporting events, a legacy she aims to extend with “Dai Dai.”
Coca‑Cola’s Separate Anthem: A Reimagined “Jump”
While Shakira’s “Dai Dai” is positioned as the official FIFA anthem, Coca‑Cola has unveiled its own promotional track for the 2026 World Cup—a reimagining of Van Halen’s classic “Jump.” The Coca‑Cola version features:
- Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin, who contributed a new Spanish‑language verse described as “Brazilian funk with heavy strings, a bit like hip‑hop.”
- Drummer Travis Barker (Blink‑182) amplifying the rhythmic backbone.
- Pop/R&B singer Amber Mark delivering the original English lyrics with a crystal‑clear vocal.
- Guitar virtuoso Steve Vai reworking the iconic solo.
In an interview with the Associated Press in March 2025, Balvin explained that he wanted to infuse the track with the “Latin American love and passion for fútbol,” noting that the original “Jump” was not inherently a soccer song.
Looking Ahead
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, music will play a pivotal role in shaping the tournament’s atmosphere. Shakira’s “Dai Dai,” slated for a May 14 debut, aims to capture the universal joy of football, while Coca‑Cola’s “Jump” reinterpretation offers a complementary, high‑energy soundtrack for fans worldwide. Both projects highlight how global artists continue to bridge sport, culture, and music on the world’s biggest stage.
