16 Years After ‘Waka Waka,’ Shakira Returns as the 2026 FIFA World Cup Kicks Off Today
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially begins today, June 11, football fans around the world are once again preparing for a spectacle that extends far beyond the game itself.
The historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will host the opening ceremony of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, with global music stars Shakira and Nigeria’s Burna Boy set to headline the celebration.
For many, the moment feels like history coming full circle.
Exactly 16 years ago, on June 11, 2010, the world witnessed another historic milestone when South Africa became the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup. The opening ceremony in Johannesburg marked a defining moment not only for African football but also for the continent’s place on the global sporting stage.
One of the most memorable highlights of that tournament was Shakira’s performance of “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” The song quickly became the soundtrack of the 2010 World Cup and remains one of the most successful and recognizable football anthems ever produced.
Now, sixteen years later, the Colombian superstar is returning to the World Cup stage. This time, she will perform at the iconic Estadio Azteca, where she is expected to unveil the official anthem of the 2026 tournament, “Dai Dai,” alongside Nigerian Afrobeats giant Burna Boy.
The return of Shakira on the very date that the 2010 World Cup opened adds a symbolic touch to the start of football’s biggest festival. It serves as a reminder of how the World Cup continues to connect generations, cultures and continents through a shared passion for sport and music.
From Johannesburg to Mexico City, from “Waka Waka” to “Dai Dai,” the World Cup story continues to evolve. And as the first whistle of the 2026 tournament approaches, the world is once again united by football.
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