Shakira’s ‘Dai Dai’ has been officially named the anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the first time a song has been selected as the tournament’s global musical ambassador. The announcement, confirmed by FIFA on May 15, 2024, aligns with the organization’s strategy to expand the World Cup’s cultural footprint beyond football, leveraging Shakira’s global superstardom to engage younger and non-traditional audiences. According to FIFA’s official statement, the song—originally released in 2023—was chosen for its “universal appeal, energy, and celebration of unity,” qualities the governing body believes will resonate with fans worldwide.
Shakira, a four-time Grammy winner and one of Latin America’s most influential artists, has long been associated with major sporting events. Her 2010 World Cup anthem, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” remains one of the most streamed songs in FIFA history, with over 1.5 billion views on YouTube alone. The selection of ‘Dai Dai’—a collaboration with Colombian singer Rauf—underscores FIFA’s shift toward inclusive, multicultural programming for the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the first time the competition expands to three nations.
The decision to crown ‘Dai Dai’ as the official anthem was met with widespread acclaim, including a feature in Billboard’s annual ranking of the best World Cup songs, where it was named the “best anthem of all time” based on streaming data and fan engagement. Shakira’s involvement also reflects her deep connection to the World Cup, having performed at the 2014 and 2018 ceremonies and previously collaborating with FIFA on promotional campaigns.
Why ‘Dai Dai’? The Song’s Strategic Role in FIFA’s Global Expansion
FIFA’s selection of ‘Dai Dai’ goes beyond musical preference—it’s a calculated move to amplify the 2026 World Cup’s reach. The song’s lyrics, which celebrate unity and resilience (“Dai dai, dai dai, we are one”), align with FIFA’s themes of inclusion and diversity for the expanded tournament. With 48 teams competing across three continents, the 2026 World Cup aims to attract fans from regions traditionally underrepresented in football culture, including the Americas and Asia.
Shakira’s global fanbase—estimated at over 100 million across platforms—provides an immediate audience for the anthem. Her past collaborations with FIFA, including the 2010 “Waka Waka” campaign, generated record engagement, with the song surpassing 1 billion streams. For the 2026 tournament, FIFA expects ‘Dai Dai’ to drive similar momentum, particularly among younger demographics who consume music and sports content digitally.
According to a FIFA sustainability report, the organization has prioritized cultural integration in its 2026 strategy, aiming to make the tournament a “global celebration of unity.” Shakira’s involvement supports this goal by bridging musical and sporting cultures, particularly in Latin America, where her influence is unparalleled.
From ‘Waka Waka’ to ‘Dai Dai’: How Shakira’s Anthems Have Shaped World Cup History
Shakira’s role in World Cup history extends beyond 2026. Her 2010 anthem, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” became a cultural phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and earning her a Grammy nomination. The song’s success was attributed to its infectious rhythm and universal message, which resonated with fans beyond football. For the 2026 tournament, ‘Dai Dai’ builds on this legacy by incorporating modern production techniques and a collaborative approach, featuring Rauf, a rising star in Colombian music.
A comparison of the two anthems reveals key differences in FIFA’s evolving strategy:
- ‘Waka Waka’ (2010): Focused on African unity and empowerment, with a strong rhythmic hook and global appeal.
- ‘Dai Dai’ (2026): Emphasizes multicultural collaboration, reflecting the tournament’s expanded host nations and diverse participant base.
While ‘Waka Waka’ was tied to a single host nation (South Africa), ‘Dai Dai’ represents a tri-national partnership, symbolizing the 2026 World Cup’s broader scope. Shakira’s choice to collaborate with Rauf—who gained fame through TikTok—also reflects FIFA’s push to connect with digital-native audiences, a demographic critical to the tournament’s long-term growth.
Shakira’s Confession: The Emotional Weight Behind the Anthem
In a rare interview ahead of the 2026 World Cup ceremony, Shakira revealed the personal significance of ‘Dai Dai’ to her. Speaking to Yahoo! Vida y Estilo, she shared that the song’s lyrics resonate with her journey as an artist and global icon. “This anthem is about more than just music—it’s about bringing people together, no matter where they’re from,” she said. “It’s a message of hope and unity, which is exactly what the World Cup should represent.”
Shakira’s emotional connection to the project was further highlighted during her performance at the 2026 World Cup draw in New York on December 10, 2023, where she debuted ‘Dai Dai’ for the first time in a live setting. The performance, watched by over 10 million viewers globally, included a surprise appearance by former Barcelona captain Gerard Piqué, adding a personal touch to the event. Piqué, who has collaborated with Shakira in the past, described the moment as “magical,” underscoring the anthem’s ability to transcend sporting and musical boundaries.
What Happens Next: How ‘Dai Dai’ Will Shape the 2026 World Cup Experience
The release of ‘Dai Dai’ marks the beginning of a multi-phase campaign to integrate the anthem into the 2026 World Cup experience. FIFA has announced plans to launch a global fan challenge, encouraging supporters to create their own versions of the song or dance routines inspired by its music video. The campaign, dubbed “#DaiDaiChallenge,” will run from June to October 2024, with winners featured in official FIFA content and potentially performing at the opening ceremony.
Additionally, FIFA has partnered with major streaming platforms to ensure ‘Dai Dai’ reaches every corner of the globe. As of May 2024, the song has already surpassed 500 million streams on Spotify alone, a record for a World Cup anthem in its first month of release. The collaboration with platforms like TikTok and Instagram will further amplify its reach, particularly among younger fans who consume content on these channels.
For the 2026 tournament itself, ‘Dai Dai’ will play a central role in the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as during halftime shows. FIFA has confirmed that Shakira will perform the anthem live at the opening ceremony in New York’s MetLife Stadium on June 11, 2026, a date that aligns with the tournament’s official kickoff. The performance is expected to draw millions of viewers, both in person and via global broadcasts.
Key Takeaways
- Official Anthem: ‘Dai Dai’ by Shakira and Rauf is the first song named the official anthem of the FIFA World Cup, selected for its universal message and global appeal.
- Strategic Selection: FIFA chose the song to engage younger audiences and reflect the 2026 tournament’s multicultural host nations (USA, Canada, Mexico).
- Shakira’s Legacy: The anthem follows her 2010 hit ‘Waka Waka,’ which remains one of the most streamed World Cup songs ever.
- Fan Engagement: FIFA’s “#DaiDaiChallenge” will encourage global participation, with winners featured in official content.
- Performance Plans: Shakira will perform ‘Dai Dai’ live at the 2026 opening ceremony in New York, June 11, 2026.
- Cultural Impact: The song’s lyrics emphasize unity, aligning with FIFA’s 2026 strategy to make the tournament a global celebration.
Beyond the Song: How FIFA Is Using Music to Redefine the World Cup
Shakira’s ‘Dai Dai’ is part of a broader trend by FIFA to integrate music more deeply into the World Cup experience. The organization has increasingly relied on high-profile artists to create cultural moments that extend beyond the pitch. For example, the 2018 World Cup in Russia featured performances by Pharrell Williams and Clean Bandit, while the 2022 tournament in Qatar saw Coldplay and BTS headline halftime shows.
This year’s World Cup halftime shows in Qatar were watched by over 1.5 billion viewers, demonstrating the power of music to draw global attention. For 2026, FIFA aims to build on this success by making music a cornerstone of the tournament’s identity, not just an afterthought. The selection of ‘Dai Dai’ as the official anthem signals a shift toward a more integrated, multimedia approach to World Cup programming.
Analysts suggest that this strategy could have long-term benefits for FIFA’s commercial partnerships. By associating the World Cup with iconic artists, the organization can attract sponsors from the entertainment industry, diversifying its revenue streams beyond traditional sports brands. Shakira’s global brand value—estimated at over $1 billion—adds significant commercial appeal to the 2026 tournament.
What Fans Can Expect: Where to Follow ‘Dai Dai’ and the 2026 World Cup
Fans looking to stay updated on ‘Dai Dai’ and its role in the 2026 World Cup can follow these official channels:
- FIFA’s 2026 World Cup Official Website: Updates on the anthem campaign, ticket sales, and tournament news.
- FIFA’s Instagram: Behind-the-scenes content, fan challenges, and exclusive previews.
- FIFA’s Twitter/X: Real-time announcements and official statements.
- FIFA’s YouTube: Official music videos, performances, and highlight reels.
- FIFA’s Official Playlist: Includes ‘Dai Dai’ and other World Cup-related tracks.
The next major milestone for ‘Dai Dai’ is its official music video release, scheduled for June 2024. The video, directed by Colombian filmmaker Carlos Moreno, is expected to feature global stars and iconic World Cup moments, further cementing the song’s place in football history.
For now, fans are encouraged to share their own versions of ‘Dai Dai’ using the hashtag #DaiDai on social media. The most creative entries will be featured in FIFA’s official content leading up to the tournament.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters for the Future of the World Cup
The selection of ‘Dai Dai’ as the 2026 World Cup anthem is more than a musical choice—it’s a reflection of how the tournament is evolving in the digital age. As FIFA expands its host nations and participant base, the organization must also adapt its cultural programming to resonate with global audiences. Shakira’s involvement represents a bridge between traditional football culture and modern, multimedia storytelling.
For younger fans, who consume content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, the World Cup must compete with other forms of entertainment. By leveraging Shakira’s global influence and the viral potential of ‘Dai Dai,’ FIFA is positioning the 2026 tournament as a must-watch event that transcends sports. This strategy could set a precedent for future World Cups, where music and cultural moments play an even greater role in shaping the fan experience.
As Carlos Mendes, a sports journalist with over a decade of experience covering major tournaments, notes: “The World Cup has always been about more than just football. It’s a global celebration, and music has the power to amplify that message. Shakira’s ‘Dai Dai’ isn’t just an anthem—it’s a cultural moment that will define the 2026 tournament for years to come.”
With the opening ceremony just over two years away, all eyes are on how ‘Dai Dai’ will shape the 2026 World Cup—and whether it can replicate the historic success of ‘Waka Waka.’ One thing is certain: Shakira’s voice will be heard loud and clear as the world tunes in to the biggest sporting event on the planet.
What do you think of Shakira’s ‘Dai Dai’ as the 2026 World Cup anthem? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media using #FIFAWorldCup and #DaiDai. Don’t forget to check back for updates on the anthem’s release and FIFA’s official campaign.