Shakira's 'Dai Dai' brings football royalty together

Global pop star Shakira has unveiled the music video for 'Dai Dai', the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing together an extraordinary cast of football superstars including Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in a high-profile global crossover.

Released alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy, the track arrives as anticipation builds for the tournament set to be jointly hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The video quickly drew attention for its blend of sporting icons, cultural imagery and cinematic production scale.

Among the most striking features is the appearance of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, England skipper Harry Kane, Norway's goal machine Erling Haaland and France forward Kylian Mbappe, all woven into sequences that position football's biggest names within a stylised, global narrative celebrating the sport's reach.

The video also incorporates appearances by the Ghetto Kids Uganda, a youth group known for their work through dance and performance arts, adding a humanitarian layer to a production that balances spectacle with social messaging. The group's inclusion underscores the project's broader emphasis on opportunity through sport and creativity.

Visually, the production moves across multiple international settings, including references to iconic landmarks such as Mexico City's Angel of Independence and Brazil's Maracana Stadium, while also incorporating African-inspired landscapes. These sequences aim to reflect football's global identity ahead of what will be the first World Cup expanded to 48 teams.

The project also pays tribute to football legends of the past, with visual nods to figures including Diego Maradona, Pele, Kaka and Ronaldo Nazario, linking the present generation of stars to the sport's historical icons.

Shakira, who appears in scenes dressed in Colombia's national colours, is also set to co-headline the World Cup final half-time show at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. The performance will mark the first time a FIFA World Cup final includes an expanded half-time entertainment segment.

The show is expected to feature additional global acts, including Madonna and South Korean group BTS, reflecting FIFA's push to turn the final into a large-scale cultural event alongside the sporting spectacle.

Organisers have also confirmed that the extended half-time format will allow for a more elaborate production than traditional 15-minute breaks, opening space for a concert-style performance within the final itself.

Beyond the video release, the anthem is tied to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, with proceeds supporting education initiatives worldwide. Shakira has also pledged to contribute royalties from the song, while additional fundraising mechanisms linked to her touring activity are expected to support the initiative.

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, with the final set for July 19 in the United States, marking one of the most commercially and culturally ambitious editions of the tournament to date.