Global pop icon Shakira will raise the curtain on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Sony Music Entertainment Korea announced that Shakira will take the stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, scheduled to be held at the Mexico City Stadium on the 11th local time. During this opening ceremony, Shakira is set to deliver the first live performance of the tournament's official theme song, 'Dai Dai,' alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy in front of soccer fans worldwide.

Kicking off 90 minutes before the match, the opening ceremony will feature a star-studded lineup of global artists alongside Shakira and Burna Boy. Alejandro Fernandez, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, Mana, and Tyla will all make major appearances, bringing the official album's sound to life on stage.

The official theme song 'Dai Dai' also serves as the official anthem for the 'FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund,' a joint initiative by FIFA and Global Citizen. The fund aims to raise 100 million USD by the end of the World Cup, with plans to use the proceeds to provide quality education and soccer participation opportunities for children around the world.

Colombian global pop star Shakira first participated in a World Cup project with 'Hips Don't Lie' at the closing ceremony of the 2006 Germany World Cup. She subsequently released 'Waka Waka' for the 2010 South Africa World Cup and 'La La La' for the 2014 Brazil World Cup, making this her fourth overall World Cup project. Shakira is also scheduled to take the stage as a co-headliner for the halftime show at the upcoming final on July 19th, alongside artists such as BTS and Madonna.

Meanwhile, Shakira, who has solidified her global standing by selling over 95 million records worldwide, recently held a limited special concert in the United States as part of her highly successful ongoing world tour. Starting this September, she will continue with a 12-show stadium European residency based in Madrid.

Photo provided by = Sony Music Entertainment Korea