It’s official—Burna Boy and Shakira have joined forces for “Dai Dai,” the anthem for the FIFA World Cup 2026, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the tournament’s defining sounds.
For Burna Boy, this marks his first appearance on a FIFA World Cup song, while Shakira returns to familiar territory. She previously delivered the unforgettable “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” in 2010, a track that became deeply tied to World Cup history.
“Dai Dai” runs close to four minutes and brings together Afrobeats, global pop, and reggaetón in a high-energy blend designed for stadiums and celebrations. The chorus stretches across multiple languages—Japanese, Spanish, French, English, and Italian—repeating the chant-like hook: “Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let’s go.”
Lyrically, the song leans into inspiration and unity through football. Shakira opens with a message about purpose and belonging, while Burna Boy follows with a motivational verse about chasing ambition and pushing forward. The track also references football greats like Maradona, Messi, Ronaldo, Beckham, Kaká, and Maldini, alongside countries that have shaped the game’s global identity.
Beyond the music, the project carries a charitable angle. Proceeds from the song will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise funds to improve access to education and sports opportunities for children worldwide.
The 2026 World Cup itself is set to be one of the most expansive editions yet. A record 10 African nations have qualified, and artists from the continent, including Tyla and Rema, are also part of the wider entertainment lineup for the tournament’s opening ceremony in Los Angeles.
Kicking off on June 11 in Mexico City and concluding on July 19 in New Jersey, the tournament will also feature a first-ever halftime show at the final, where Shakira is expected to take center stage once again.
With “Dai Dai,” the soundtrack to the World Cup has already begun—and it’s built for global replay.
