Shakira sang the opening verse of the tournament’s song, titled ‘Dia Dia’, following an earlier performance by J Balvin.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Ace Colombian singer, songwriter and dancer Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, simply known as Shakira, and Nigerian Afrobeats star Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, on Thursday performed the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ‘Dia Dia’.
The duo thrilled the audience with the tournament’s anthem at the opening ceremony at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
While Shakira took to the stage to sing the opening verse of the song following J Balvin’s earlier performance, Burna Boy complemented her by delivering an equally high-energy performance.
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The ceremony took place an hour before the eargerly anticipated opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
The North American team went on to win the encounter 2-0, following a goal in each half from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez.
This year’s World Cup, which features 48 teams competing for the first time, is being co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.
