Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy proudly flew the nation’s flag on the global stage as he delivered a thrilling performance alongside Colombian music icon Shakira during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City.
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Despite the absence of Nigeria’s Super Eagles from the tournament, Burna Boy ensured the country remained represented at football’s biggest event with a memorable appearance at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The Grammy-winning singer joined Shakira to perform “Dai Dai,” the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in front of thousands of fans and millions of viewers worldwide.
The electrifying performance blended Afrobeats, Latin pop and energetic choreography, creating one of the standout moments of the opening ceremony.
Shakira dazzled in her trademark dance routine while Burna Boy captivated the audience with his energetic stage presence and synchronized dance moves alongside his troupe.
As the performance reached its climax, both global stars united on stage to deliver the anthem’s powerful chorus, “Dale, allez, let’s go,” drawing massive cheers from the crowd.
“Dai Dai” was created as a song of unity, resilience and celebration, symbolising the global spirit of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup.
Part of the proceeds from the song will also support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aimed at improving access to education for underserved children around the world.
The colourful opening ceremony also celebrated Mexican culture and featured performances from several international music stars including Maná, J Balvin, Danny Ocean, Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda.
Football fans will also witness additional opening celebrations across the host nations, with upcoming performances scheduled in Canada and the United States featuring stars such as Michael Bublé, Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA and Nigerian singer Rema.
Although Nigeria failed to qualify for the Mundial, Burna Boy’s appearance ensured the country still had a strong presence at the global football spectacle.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States, marking the first edition to feature 48 participating nations.
