
Will ‘Dai Dai’ Match the OG ‘Waka Waka’? FIFA Hopes for Another Shakira Anthem Craze
Global pop star Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy have officially released “Dai Dai,” the anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup , blending Latin rhythms and Afrobeats into a multilingual celebration of football, culture and unity.
The song was launched on Friday across major streaming platforms after weeks of teasers from Shakira, who first previewed the track from Brazil’s iconic Maracanã Stadium earlier this month. FIFA described the anthem as a vibrant global collaboration that captures the spirit of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June to July 2026 .
“Dai Dai” references several footballing nations and stars while carrying an uplifting message of resilience and belonging. Royalties from the song will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund , aimed at improving access to education and football for children worldwide.
The release comes days after FIFA announced a star-studded half-time show for the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, featuring Shakira, Madonna and BTS. The lineup was curated by Chris Martin.
Shakira’s involvement has also reignited comparisons with her 2010 World Cup anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), widely regarded as one of FIFA’s most iconic songs . While it remains uncertain whether “Dai Dai” can recreate the same worldwide craze, the anthem has already generated significant buzz ahead of football’s biggest tournament.
