The 2026 World Cup is now in full swing after kicking off with a series of performances, including one from singer Shakira.
She returned to the tournament stage for the first time since her 2014 edition in Brazil, having previously participated in ceremonies for the 2006 and 2010 tournaments as well.
Her performance at this year’s edition has sparked multiple reactions on social media, with some praising the nostalgic return and her stage presence, while others questioned whether it matched the impact of her earlier World Cup appearances.
Fans Call Shakira’s New World Cup Song ‘Generic’
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 song during the opening ceremony in Mexico City at the Estadio Azteca.
Online, fans offered mixed reviews, with some suggesting the track was less memorable than the previous World Cup song she performed at the 2010 edition.
“Ya, it’s hella generic, but the baseline assumption is good vibes ykwim. I’m fine with that,” one wrote.
“It’s no Waka Waka, that’s for sure. Falls a bit flat,” another individual remarked.
Others criticized the singer’s choreography, claiming it lacked the energy and dynamism fans have come to expect from her performances over the years.
“Her dancing looks a little unenthused, maybe? Maybe it’s just the sunglasses throwing me off,” a third user said.
The Singer’s World Cup Video Pulls 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 over 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 featured 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 like Pelé, Kaká, and Ronaldo Nazário were also honored in the production.
Fans Also Slammed Another World Cup Track
Before Shakira’s track was officially unveiled as the World Cup’s theme song, many fans believed a different 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. However, rather than generating widespread excitement, the song quickly became the subject of criticism across social media.
Many listeners took issue with its slower, heavier tone, arguing that it lacked the upbeat energy typically associated with World Cup anthems.
Others pointed to the track’s country influences as a sticking point, claiming it was not representative of the global audience that the World Cup seeks to unite.
Shakira’s World Cup History Dates Back Two Decades
Besides her performance of “Dai Dai” at the 2026 World Cup, Shakira has a long history with football’s biggest tournament.
She first appeared at the World Cup in 2006, 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 selected as the official anthem for the 2010 World Cup.
The song went on to become one of the most recognizable World Cup tracks of all time and remains a fan favorite.
The singer returned again in 2014 during the World Cup in Brazil, where she performed “La La La,” another football-themed song that supporters warmly received.
Shakira Is Set For Another Huge World Cup Moment
To round off the 2026 World Cup on July 19, there will be one more performance from Shakira.
The musician is set to co-headline the first-ever World Cup Final 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 musical events of the year, bringing together three of the biggest names in entertainment to celebrate the conclusion of football’s biggest tournament.
Proceeds from the event will also support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at expanding access to quality education and football for children worldwide.