The WC 2026 is now in full swing after launching a series of performances, including one from a singer Shakira.
She returned to the tournament stage for the first time since her 2014 edition in Brazil, having also previously participated in ceremonies for the 2006 and 2010 tournaments.
Her appearance at this year’s edition has sparked several reactions on social media, with some praising the nostalgic return and her stage presence, while others questioned whether it matched the impact of her previous World Cup performances.
Shakira’s return to the World Cup stage with another performance has sparked a wave of reactions online.
The singer performed “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy as the official 2026 FIFA World Cup sang during the opening ceremony in Mexico City at the Estadio Azteca.
Online, fans offered mixed reviewswith some suggesting that the track was less memorable than the previous WC song she performed at the 2010 edition.
“Yeah it’s generic as hell but the premise is good vibes ykwim. I’m fine with that,” wrote one.
“It’s no Waka Waka that’s for sure. Falling a little flat,” another person noted.
Others criticized the singer’s choreography, claiming it lacked the energy and dynamism that fans have come to expect from her performances over the years.
“Maybe her dancing looks a little unenthusiastic? Maybe it’s just the sunglasses that throw me off,” said a third user.
The singer’s WC video draws huge numbers
Ahead of the World Cup, Shakira released an official music video for the tournament anthem across her streaming platforms.
On YouTube alone, it has amassed more than 135 million views and continues to attract new viewers, fueled in part by earlier speculation about which football stars would appear in the production.
Ultimately, the video struck a balance between celebrating the game’s current generation and honoring its rich history.
Among those showcased were some of the biggest names competing at this year’s World Cup, including Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Vinícius Júnior, Luis Díaz, Jamal Musiala and Erling Haaland. Legendary stars such as Pelé, Kaká and Ronaldo Nazário were also honored in the production.
Fans also slammed another WC pitch
Before Shakira’s track was officially revealed as the World Cup’s theme song, many fans believed that another release from Jelly Roll and Carín León would serve as the tournament’s primary anthem.
In March, the duo released “Lighter” as part of FIFA’s early promotional campaign for the competition. But instead of creating widespread excitement, the song quickly became the subject of criticism across social media.
Many the listeners took the case with its slower, heavier tone arguing that it lacked the upbeat energy typically associated with World Cup anthems.
Others pointed to the pitch’s country influences as a problem, arguing that it was not representative of the global audience the World Cup seeks to unite.
Shakira’s World Cup history goes back two decades
Besides her performance of “Dai Dai” at the 2026 World Cup, Shakira has a long history with soccer’s biggest tournament.
She made her first appearance at the 2006 World Cup, performing her hit song “Hips Don’t Lie” during the tournament’s closing ceremony. Four years later, she became even more closely associated with the competition when “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” was chosen as the official anthem for the 2010 World Cup.
The song became one of the most recognizable World Cup tracks of all time and remains a fan favourite.
The singer returned again in 2014 during the World Cup in Brazil, where she performed “La La La”, another soccer-themed song, which was warmly received by the fans.
Shakira is ready for another huge World Cup moment
To round off the WC 2026 on July 19, there will be one more performance from Shakira.
The musician is set to headline the first-ever World Cup finals halftime show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey alongside music icon Madonna and K-Pop sensation BTS.
The historic performance is expected to be one of the most watched music events of the year, bringing together three of the biggest names in entertainment to celebrate the end of football’s biggest tournament.
Proceeds from the event will also support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative that aims to expand access to quality education and football for children around the world.
