The Colombian superstar will deliver her official World Cup anthem when football's biggest stage opens in Mexico City.
Get ready for goosebumps! Shakira is officially headlining the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico, where she'll perform her specially crafted anthem for the tournament. The "Hips Don't Lie" sensation returns to football's grandest stage after her iconic performances in previous World Cups, promising to deliver another unforgettable moment when the world's eyes turn to North America.
This World Cup holds special significance for African football, with the continent's strongest-ever contingent expected to compete. Nations like Morocco, who stunned the world by reaching the 2022 semifinals, alongside powerhouses like Senegal, Nigeria, and Ghana, are gearing up to make their mark on the expanded 48-team tournament format.
Shakira's World Cup anthems have become legendary – from "Waka Waka" celebrating South Africa 2010 to her electrifying Brazil 2014 performances. Her upcoming Mexico appearance promises to blend Latin rhythms with global football passion, setting the perfect tone for what could be Africa's breakthrough World Cup.
With African stars like Victor Osimhen, Mohammed Kudus, and Sadio Mané entering their prime years, this tournament represents a golden opportunity for the continent to claim its first World Cup trophy. Shakira's opening ceremony performance will kick off a month-long celebration where African excellence on the pitch could finally match the continent's incredible football passion.
