From Waka Waka to Dai Dai: How Shakira became queen of FIFA World Cup anthems
For millions of football fans around the world, the FIFA World Cup is not just about goals, trophies and unforgettable matches.
It is also about the music that becomes the soundtrack of the tournament.
You might also like
Few global artistes have become as closely associated with the World Cup as Shakira.
Over the years, the Colombian superstar has delivered some of the most memorable World Cup songs, earning a special place in football history and becoming what many fans describe as the unofficial queen of FIFA World Cup anthems.
Shakira’s World Cup songs
Her World Cup journey began in 2006 when her hit song “Hips Don’t Lie“ was featured prominently during the tournament in Germany.
While it was not the official World Cup song, its popularity among fans helped establish a connection between Shakira and football’s biggest event.
That connection reached another level in 2010 when she released the iconic song Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) for the World Cup in South Africa. Blending African rhythms with an uplifting message, the song became a global sensation and remains one of the most successful World Cup tracks ever released.
The song’s catchy chorus, energetic dance moves and celebration of unity made it an instant hit. More than a decade later, it continues to be played at football events, parties and sporting celebrations around the world.
Shakira returned to the World Cup stage in 2014 with La La La (Brazil 2014).
The track featured football stars in its music video and once again captured the excitement and passion of the tournament.
Looking ahead, she is also linked to the 2026 football season conversations around the official anthem Dai Dai featuring Nigerian star Burna Boy, as fans continue to compare new tournament music with her iconic legacy.
While new songs emerge each cycle, Shakira’s influence remains a major reference point in World Cup music culture.
What makes Shakira’s World Cup songs stand out is their ability to transcend football.
They become global cultural moments, bringing together fans from different countries, languages and backgrounds through music.
Whether or not she releases another football anthem in the future, Shakira’s influence on World Cup music is undeniable. Through her memorable performances and chart-topping hits, she transformed football songs from tournament soundtracks into worldwide cultural phenomena.
Shakira on World Cup performances
Shakira, speaking during an interview with People magazine, spoke about her long-standing journey performing at the FIFA World Cup and the deep personal connection she feels with football over the years.
She reflected on how her World Cup story began in 2006, noting that it marked the beginning of a lasting bond between her music and football’s biggest stage.
“It is crazy why I have this connection with football that seems unbreakable,” Shakira said.
“My history with football goes back to 2006 and I performed at the first World Cup with Wyclef, performing ‘Hip Don’t Lie’.and again in 2010, which is when I met the father of my kids who was playing during that World Cup. That’s why I call my kids the ‘waka kids’ because I think they were born because of that song. That song took me to the World Cup, and the World Cup had an important impact in my life and they were born the best that has happened to me,” she disclosed.
“In 2014, I was pregnant with my little one; every World Cup, there is something really magical, and this one will be about bringing people together in this very sensitive time and moment socially and politically.”
