Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, Burna Boy has been unveiled as the co-performer on the official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joining forces with Colombian pop legend, Shakira on a vibrant new track titled “Dai Dai” a fusion of reggaetón and Afrobeats that promises to be the soundtrack of this summer’s tournament.

Shakira made the announcement herself on Thursday through a joint Instagram post with Global Citizen and FIFA, sharing a one-minute teaser filmed at the iconic Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In the clip, the 49-year-old Latin icon appeared in a royal blue miniskirt and bright yellow top, holding a football and surrounded by dancers dressed in the colours of several national teams competing in the tournament. She and Burna Boy could be heard singing, “You from the day you were born, here in the space you belong… what broke you once, made you strong” lyrics that carry the stirring, anthemic quality befitting the world’s biggest sporting event. The full song and accompanying music video are set to premiere on May 14. “From Maracaná Stadium, here is ‘Dai Dai,’ the FIFA World Cup Official Song 2026. Coming 5/14. We’re ready!” Shakira wrote in her caption.

The collaboration is a natural meeting of two of the world’s most globally recognised musical voices. “Dai Dai” blends Shakira’s signature Latin pop energy with Burna Boy’s bold and distinctly African Afrobeats style, creating what early listeners are already describing as a worthy anthem for a tournament being hosted across three nations the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. For Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu, it is a landmark moment in an already extraordinary career, cementing his status as one of the defining voices of African music on the world stage. It also marks the second time a Nigerian artist has featured on an official FIFA World Cup song, following Davido’s appearance on the Qatar 2022 anthem alongside American star Trinidad Cardona.

For Shakira, it is a nostalgic and triumphant return to football’s grandest stage. Her involvement traces back to the 2006 World Cup closing ceremony in Germany, where she performed “Hips Don’t Lie.” She then delivered what became arguably the most beloved World Cup song of all time with “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” for South Africa 2010, a record that now boasts a staggering 4.5 billion views on YouTube. She also performed “La La La (Brazil 2014)” during the closing ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. “Dai Dai” now adds another chapter to that enduring relationship between Shakira and the beautiful game.

The announcement has generated considerable excitement in Nigeria particularly, even as the Super Eagles will not feature in the tournament after failing to qualify.

The fact that Burna Boy carries the Nigerian flag to the world’s biggest sporting stage in their absence will not be lost on football and music fans alike a reminder that Nigeria’s cultural influence extends far beyond the pitch.