UNB

Colombian superstar Shakira once again stole the spotlight at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, but her latest anthem ‘Dai Dai’ has already drawn inevitable comparisons with her legendary 2010 hit ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off at the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City with thousands of fans gathering to witness the grand opening show. Shakira headlined the ceremony alongside Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy, delivering the first live performance of ‘Dai Dai’, the tournament’s official song.

The performance featured high-energy choreography, vibrant visuals, colourful dancers and a giant World Cup trophy prop, with Shakira showcasing her trademark stage presence and dance moves.

While the show received strong praise from fans, it quickly sparked debate online over whether ‘Dai Dai’ could ever match the cultural legacy of ‘Waka Waka’, which became one of the most iconic World Cup songs in history.

Social media users were quick to draw comparisons. Many argued that ‘Waka Waka’ had already cemented itself as the “ultimate World Cup anthem,” with one user writing that although ‘Dai Dai’ is “beautiful,” it can never replace the 2010 hit’s global impact.

Others, however, noted that the comparisons themselves highlight Shakira’s rare dominance in World Cup music, pointing out that she also delivered another global hit with ‘La La La (Brazil 2014)’. They said few artists have managed to produce multiple iconic tournament anthems.

While ‘Dai Dai’ continues to gain traction across streaming platforms, ‘Waka Waka’ remains a global cultural phenomenon more than a decade after its release. The song’s official music video has crossed 4.5 billion views on YouTube, compared to 126 million views for ‘Dai Dai’, underscoring the enduring legacy of Shakira’s 2010 anthem.