Shakira isn’t just a global pop icon — she’s practically the unofficial voice of the World Cup. Ever since 2006, the Barranquilla‑born superstar has been woven into the fabric of soccer’s biggest tournament, and in 2026 she’s back once again with a brand‑new official anthem after a 16‑year break.

From Barranquilla to global stardom

Shakira Isabel Mebarak, born February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, is one of the most influential Latin artists of all time. She launched her career with Magia, then broke into the international market with English‑language albums that turned her into a worldwide pop powerhouse. Her signature blend of Latin rhythms, rock and pop influences, unmistakable vocal tone, and iconic hip‑shaking choreography made her a cultural phenomenon.

The making of a World Cup icon

Shakira’s relationship with the World Cup began in 2005, when she released Hips Don’t Lie with Wyclef Jean as part of Oral Fixation Vol. 2. The song exploded globally, and FIFA took notice. During the closing ceremony of the 2006 World Cup in Germany, she performed a special version titled Hips Don’t Lie – Bamboo, marking her first official tie to the tournament.

But that was only the beginning.

In 2010, she created Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), the official anthem of the South Africa World Cup — the first ever held on the African continent. Collaborating with South African group Freshlyground, Shakira adapted Zangalewa, a song popular among Cameroonian soldiers in the 1980s. The track delivered a message of resilience, ambition, and unity, becoming one of the most iconic World Cup songs in history.

She returned for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with La La La, produced for a Coca‑Cola campaign. Even though it wasn’t FIFA’s official anthem, it became one of the tournament’s defining songs, infused with Brazilian samba and batucada rhythms. At the time, Shakira had an especially personal connection to the event — her then‑partner Gerard Piqué was competing for Spain.

The 2026 comeback: “Dai Dai”

Now, for the 2026 World Cup hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Shakira is back in the spotlight. This year, FIFA has gone bigger than ever, releasing a full official album featuring artists like Daddy Yankee and J Balvin. But the centerpiece is the official anthem, “Dai Dai,” performed by Shakira and Burna Boy.

Whether Dai Dai will join the ranks of Waka Waka or Hips Don’t Lie – Bamboo remains to be seen — but history suggests Shakira’s World Cup magic is hard to beat.

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