Pop icon Shakira has proven once again that she knows how to stretch time and maximize every moment. While traveling on a recent private jet flight, the superstar transformed her cabin space into a dance studio to rehearse and perfect her upcoming routine.
Her clear focus and dedication come ahead of her historic fourth selection to headline a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. The performance cements her legacy as the ultimate bridge connecting global music with international football culture.
The Legacy Continues: From ‘Waka Waka’ to ‘Dai Dai’
Setting the musical and emotional tone for the world’s biggest sporting event has become second nature for Shakira. Her unforgettable track record spans over two decades of tournament history:
- Germany 2006: Set the pre-match energy with a specialized stadium remix of her global hit “Hips Don’t Lie.”
- South Africa 2010: Delivered “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” widely considered the greatest and most iconic World Cup anthem of all time.
- Brazil 2014: Kept global audiences dancing with the rhythmic anthem “La La La.” Lao Dong Newspaper – Báo Lao Động
- North America 2026: Returning to the world stage with her brand-new single “Dai Dai” (an Italian slang exclamation meaning “Come on!”).
High-Altitude Choreography Goes Viral
Footage from inside her private jet captured the singer breaking down the complex choreography step by step alongside her creative team. Focusing heavily on physical precision, Shakira systematically repeated intricate elements of the routine to guarantee they were completely locked in.
The sneak-peek rehearsal has already sparked a massive wave of excitement online. Snippets of the rhythm have quickly gone viral across platforms like TikTok, where millions of fans are already recreating the high-energy dance steps ahead of the official debut.
A Special Connection to Mexico
The upcoming performance on Thursday, June 11, 2026, holds profound personal meaning for the artist due to her deep-rooted relationship with Mexican fans. Taking the stage at the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City adds incredible sentimental weight to her return.
| Venue | Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium) |
| Timeline | Starts exactly 90 minutes before the opening match kick-off. |
| Collaborating Talent | Performing alongside Afro-fusion pioneer Burna Boy. |
| Social Initiative | The anthem directly supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100 million for youth school sports infrastructure. |
“My connection with football is unbreakable,” Shakira shared in a statement ahead of the event. “The World Cup is pure magic, and this edition will serve to unite people when the world needs it most.”
With additional regional stars like Alejandro Fernández, J Balvin, and Maná set to round out the star-studded lineup, expectations are at an all-time high. Following the opening curtain-raiser, Shakira is also scheduled to make history by co-headlining the first-ever World Cup Final Halftime Show on July 19 alongside Madonna and BTS, ensuring her music guides the entire pulse of the 2026 tournament.