Full Breakdown
Shakira and Burna Boy Unveil “Dai Dai” as Official 2026 FIFA World Cup Anthem
5/24/2026, 12:21:08 AM
Launch of the Official Anthem and Video
On May 23, 2026, Colombian singer Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy released “Dai Dai,” the official anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Hannah Lux Davis-directed video opens with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland stepping onto a pitch and saying, “We are ready.” Shakira then appears on Mexico City’s Angel of Independence, dances with African children and Uganda’s Ghetto Kids, and later stands on a glowing globe as Burna Boy delivers his verse. The clip ends with archival World Cup moments and Shakira naming legends such as Diego Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo. A separate report notes that the video also features Harry Kane, Vinícius Júnior, Takefusa Kubo, Luis Díaz, Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala and Christian Pulisic.
- Release: May 23, 2026; tournament: June 11 – July 19, 2026.
- Venues: Estadio Azteca (Mexico City) and New York New Jersey Stadium (New Jersey).
- Soccer stars: three in the opening scene, twelve additional players listed elsewhere.
- Shakira’s prior World Cup song: “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” (2010).
Key Figures and Visual Themes
- Artists: Shakira (Colombia) and Burna Boy (Nigeria); director Hannah Lux Davis.
- Featured footballers: Messi, Mbappé, Haaland plus twelve others.
- Dance groups: Ghetto Kids Uganda (NGO supporting vulnerable children).
- Halftime co-headliners: Madonna and BTS.
Official Statements & Responses
It has been confirmed that Shakira will co-headline the final’s halftime show with Madonna and BTS. In a video message, Shakira said she aims to “bring together different dance talents from around the world” for a unique halftime experience. Organizers highlighted the Ghetto Kids’ participation as part of a broader effort to showcase African talent at the tournament.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source lists only Messi, Mbappé and Haaland, while another enumerates twelve additional players, including Harry Kane and Christian Pulisic. The precise role of the Ghetto Kids during the halftime show also remains unspecified beyond their appearance in the music video.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are ready” — Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland (as depicted in the video)
- “Dai Dai.” — Title of the official anthem
- “Whenever, Wherever” — Reference to Shakira’s earlier hit
- “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” — Reference to Shakira’s 2010 World Cup song
What’s Next
The halftime show will take place during the World Cup final on July 19, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Shakira, Madonna and BTS will perform, and the Ghetto Kids are invited to join Shakira on stage. The tournament will continue across the United States, Canada and Mexico, ending with the final match that crowns the 2026 champion.
