Shakira, along with Maná, Andrea Bocelli, and Salma Hayek, brightened the World Cup opening ceremony before Mexico’s 2-0 triumph over South Africa. Shakira performed ‘Dai Dai,’ the tournament’s official song, with Burna Boy. Previously, Shakira achieved success with ‘Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)’ during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. She emphasized that a good World Cup song should be rhythmic, dance-inspiring, and an anthem that encourages sing-alongs.
Shakira has participated in several World Cup events: 2006 in Germany, 2010 in South Africa, and 2014 in Brazil. She will also headline the first halftime show of a World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with Madonna and BTS. The 48-team tournament is hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
Welcome to Mexico
Lila Downs welcomed fans and players in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, Mixtec, and Nahuatl. Adorned in a traditional huipil, she expressed Mexico’s diverse heritage and pride.
Lila Downs stated, ‘Mexico welcomes you with smiles from our heart, we are a nation of diversity, heritage and pride in ancestral lands where movement and ritual spirit endure.’
Downs, born in Oaxaca, with Mixtec and American heritage, expressed her enthusiasm for supporting Mexico’s team.
Maná and Other Performances
Maná thrilled the audience with ‘Oye Mi Amor,’ accompanied by pre-Hispanic dancers. The band has sold over 40 million records since its inception in 1986. Ahead of their performance, they announced upcoming tours in Latin America.
Los Ángeles Azules, renowned for their Mexican cumbia, performed ‘Por Ella’ with Belinda. Originating from Iztapalapa, their motto remains ‘From Iztapalapa to the world!’
Colombian star J Balvin delivered an energetic act, collaborating with Ryan Castro, and closed with ‘I Like It.’ His experience includes the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.
Danny Ocean presented ‘Partidazo,’ his FIFA album contribution, surrounded by dancers in Jalisco-inspired attire.
Performance Highlights
Actress and producer Salma Hayek addressed attendees, celebrating Mexico’s hosting of this grand soccer event. Hayek has been named an ambassador for the 2026 World Cup.
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and South Korean EJAE collaborated with DJ David Guetta on ‘DNA,’ the tournament anthem. Bocelli had previously performed for over 130,000 people in Mexico City, while EJAE is recognized for her contribution to the Oscar-winning song ‘Golden.’
National Anthems
South Africa and Mexico’s anthems were performed by Tyla and Alejandro Fernandez before the kickoff. Tyla, a Grammy winner for best African music performance in 2024, has marked significant achievements. Meanwhile, Fernandez upholds a legacy in regional Mexican music, following his father, Vicente Fernandez.