The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off last night (June 11) at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City with a massive 90 minute opening ceremony before Mexico’s match against South Africa. Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy headlined performing the World Cup’s official song “Dai Dai” in front of more than 80,000 people in the stadium and millions watching worldwide. Shakira opened in a bright yellow mesh bodysuit, with Burna Boy joining halfway through in a matching denim set, dancing atop a giant turquoise-and-yellow flag reading “We are ready”.

This is huge for Afrobeats on the world stage- Burna Boy headlining a World Cup opener alongside Shakira (the original “Waka Waka” queen) is a massive co-sign. Shakira will also return for the World Cup final halftime show on July 19 at Metlife Stadium alongside Madonna and BTS.

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Ariel Newbold

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