Shakira opens 2026 World Cup, body-double rumors denied

Colombian superstar Shakira performed at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11, marking her historic fourth appearance at the tournament. The ceremony at Estadio Azteca officially launched the first World Cup jointly hosted by three nations: Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

Shakira, alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy, performed the tournament's official anthem, "Dai Dai," for the first time live. The performance featured a vibrant, custom-designed yellow outfit and culminated in a fireworks display in the colors of the Mexican flag. The star-studded event also included performances by artists such as Maná, J Balvin, Danny Ocean, Los Ángeles Azules, Belinda, and Andrea Bocelli, showcasing a blend of Latin and international music.

The performance solidified Shakira's unique status with the global tournament, making her the first artist ever to perform at four different FIFA World Cups. Her association with the event dates back to 2006 and includes the iconic 2010 anthem "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)." She is also scheduled to co-headline the tournament's final halftime show on July 19 alongside Madonna and BTS.