Burna Boy joins Shakira on official 2026 FIFA World Cup song

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy is set to bring his signature sound to football’s biggest stage, teaming up with Colombian icon Shakira on “Dai Dai”, the official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The full track drops on May 14, ahead of the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Shakira shared a high-energy teaser video on social media, filmed on the iconic pitch of Brazil’s Maracanã Stadium. The clip shows her dancing energetically in a vibrant yellow outfit alongside a diverse group of performers, fusing Latin rhythms with Afrobeats influences. It closes with sweeping aerial shots and the message “We Are Ready,” building excitement for the expanded 48-team tournament.

This marks Shakira’s return to World Cup anthems, following her massive 2010 hit “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” and her 2014 contribution. For Burna Boy, the collaboration represents another milestone in his career, positioning him as a bridge between African music and global pop on one of the world’s most-watched platforms.
Nigerian Artists Elevating Afrobeats on the Global Football Stage

Burna Boy’s feature continues a growing tradition of Nigerian artists shining at major football events, showcasing Afrobeats’ rising influence and putting Nigerian culture on the world map. Davido made history in 2022 as the first Nigerian artist to feature on a FIFA World Cup theme song. He performed “Hayya Hayya (Better Together)” at the tournament’s final draw in Qatar alongside Trinidad Cardona and Aisha, becoming the first Nigerian to grace a FIFA World Cup closing ceremony. In 2023, Rema performed at the Ballon d’Or, making him the first African and Nigerian artist to perform on that stage.

Burna Boy himself previously headlined the 2023 UEFA Champions League final kick-off show in Istanbul, performing for a massive global audience before the Manchester City vs. Inter Milan match, another first for a Nigerian artist at that level. Tems became the first African (and Nigerian) artist to perform at the FIFA Club World Cup final halftime show in 2025 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, sharing the stage with Doja Cat and J Balvin.

Other notable moments include Patoranking and Kizz Daniel performing at FIFA Fan Festivals and concerts during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Yemi Alade at the 2024 AFCON opening ceremony, and earlier contributions like D’banj at the 2013 AFCON.

These appearances have significantly boosted the global visibility of Afrobeats. Performances reach billions of viewers through broadcasts, highlight reels, and social media, helping export Nigerian culture, language, and energy to new audiences. They have contributed to the genre’s mainstream breakthrough in the US, Europe, and beyond, opening doors for collaborations, streaming growth, and cultural diplomacy.

Burna Boy’s involvement in “Dai Dai” is the latest chapter in this story. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, it underscores how Nigerian talent is no longer just participating; it is helping define the soundtrack of global football. Fans worldwide are now eagerly awaiting the full release on May 14.