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Global Superstars Shakira and Burna Boy Team Up for 2026 World Cup Official Song “Dai Dai”
Renowned artists Shakira and Burna Boy have collaborated to release “Dai Dai,” the official anthem for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Released on streaming platforms this past Friday, the track aims to embody the passion, energy, and international spirit of the world’s biggest soccer tournament. FIFA has announced that royalties from the song will support its Global Citizen Education Fund, which seeks to raise $100 million by the tournament’s conclusion in July to enhance children’s education and soccer opportunities worldwide.
The title “Dai Dai” draws from an energetic Italian phrase meaning “come on, come on,” and the lyrics creatively incorporate equivalent expressions in English, Japanese, French, and Spanish. Musically, the song blends vibrant Afrobeats with Latin pop, predominantly sung in English with touches of Spanish. Inspirational lyrics pay homage to legendary soccer icons such as Pelé, Maradona, and Cristiano Ronaldo, while also mentioning countries competing in the tournament, including Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and the United States.
Eduardo Herrera, an ethnomusicology professor at Indiana University specializing in soccer culture, notes that “Dai Dai” ticks many boxes for a successful World Cup song. He highlights FIFA’s strategic choice of artists to appeal broadly to both Latin American and sub-Saharan African audiences.
Burna Boy, the Nigerian singer widely credited with bringing Afrobeats to a global audience, has achieved numerous milestones, including being the first solo Nigerian Grammy winner and the first African artist to sell out a U.S. stadium. Meanwhile, Shakira is no stranger to World Cup music fame, having famously performed “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” at the 2010 tournament-a song that has since broken streaming records on Spotify. She also performed at the 2006 and 2014 World Cup ceremonies, showcasing her ability to blend diverse cultural elements into global pop hits.
Adding to the excitement, Shakira is set to join Madonna and K-pop sensation BTS as headliners for the inaugural halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, where “Dai Dai” is expected to feature prominently.
Evolution of World Cup Music
Music has accompanied the World Cup since its inception in 1930, initially featuring local artists from host countries. Since the 1990s, FIFA has shifted toward commissioning globally appealing official songs, aiming to capture the tournament’s worldwide audience. Iconic tracks like Ricky Martin’s 1998 hit “La Copa de la Vida” helped launch the Latin pop explosion of the late 1990s and set a high bar for World Cup anthems.
Shakira’s “Waka Waka” in 2010 marked a turn toward blending Latin and African musical influences. More recent official songs include Pitbull’s “We Are One (Ole Ola)” in 2014 and Nicky Jam’s “Live It Up” in 2018. The 2022 World Cup did not have a single official song but rather a compilation album featuring multiple artists.
Beyond Official Anthems: The Soundtrack of the Fans
FIFA distinguishes between the official song, designed for widespread excitement and broadcasting, and the World Cup anthem, which is more ceremonial. Alongside “Dai Dai,” an official album featuring artists from host nations-the U.S., Canada, and Mexico-is being released, with singles already out by Jelly Roll, Los Ángeles Azules, and others.
However, as Eduardo Herrera points out, the cultural soundtrack of the World Cup is never dictated solely by official releases. Fan favorites and local songs often emerge organically, sometimes eclipsing official tracks. For example, during the 2022 tournament, Argentine fans popularized “Muchachos” as an unofficial anthem, which resonated deeply despite limited official promotion.
With the 2026 World Cup attracting global attention amid political challenges, high ticket prices, and calls for boycotts, Herrera anticipates vibrant celebrations both inside and outside stadiums. He notes that the festive atmosphere-fueled by music, community, and passion-may be strongest beyond the stadium gates, where fans gather to share the spirit of the game.
As “Dai Dai” makes its debut, it remains to be seen which songs will ultimately define the soundtrack of this historic World Cup.