Shakira and Burna Boy officially released the "Dai Dai" soundtrack on May 15, the tournament's anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and just weeks before the competition kicks off on June 11. FIFA confirmed the release, calling the song a celebration of the energy and worldwide passion that defines the sport.
What "Dai Dai" Means and What It Celebrates
The phrase "Dai Dai" comes from Italian, loosely translating to "come on, come on" or "go, go." It's a rallying cry - the kind fans shout from the stands when their team needs a push. The song channels exactly that kind of spirit.
The track also serves as a tribute to some of football's all-time greats. Pelé, Maradona, Maldini, Romário, Ronaldo, Beckham, Kaká, Mbappé, Iniesta, Messi, Salah, and Colombian icon Carlos Valderrama — known as "El Pibe" all get name-dropped in the lyrics.
It's a nod to generations of players who shaped the game into what it is today.
Shakira Returns to the World Cup Stage
This is not Shakira's first time headlining a World Cup moment. Back in 2010, she released "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" for the South Africa tournament and a song that became one of the most recognized sports anthems in history.
Her return to the World Cup stage feels personal. She described the song as the meeting point of two major chapters in her life in music and building schools.
"Since I was 18, I've spent my entire life doing two things: making songs and building schools," Shakira said. She added that "Dai Dai" was created for the tournament but also for children around the world who don't yet have a voice or opportunity.
A Bigger Purpose Behind the Music
Beyond entertainment, the song carries real-world weight. Both the anthem and Shakira's upcoming halftime performance are tied to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. The initiative has a goal of raising $100 million to expand children's access to education and soccer globally.
Shakira is also set to co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show at New York-New Jersey Stadium on July 19, joining Madonna and BTS on stage. That performance is expected to be a landmark moment for the tournament's closing ceremony.
Conclusion
"Dai Dai" marks a significant cultural moment ahead of the 2026 World Cup, blending global music talent with football history and a meaningful charitable cause. With the tournament starting June 11 and the final on July 19, fans have plenty to look forward to both on the pitch and off it.