Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy gave the country a proud moment on the global stage after delivering a spectacular performance alongside Colombian superstar Shakira during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City.
Even though the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the tournament, Burna Boy ensured Nigeria’s presence was strongly felt at football’s biggest spectacle as he thrilled fans inside the historic Estadio Azteca.
The Grammy-winning artist joined Shakira to perform “Dai Dai,” the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, during a colourful ceremony watched by millions across the world.
Their performance combined Afrobeats, Latin rhythms and high-energy choreography, creating one of the standout highlights of the night. Shakira entertained the crowd with her trademark dance routines, while Burna Boy brought electrifying energy and commanding stage presence to the occasion.
The atmosphere inside the stadium reached another level when both stars came together to perform the anthem’s signature chorus, “Dale, allez, let’s go,” as thousands of supporters sang along.
“Dai Dai” was created to celebrate unity, passion and resilience, reflecting the spirit of the newly expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup.
A portion of the song’s proceeds will also support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which focuses on improving access to education for underserved children worldwide.
The opening ceremony also showcased Mexico’s rich cultural heritage and featured performances from several international music stars, including Maná, J Balvin, Danny Ocean, Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda.
Further celebrations are expected across the co-host nations, with additional performances scheduled in Canada and the United States involving global stars such as Michael Bublé, Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA and Nigerian singer Rema.
Although Nigeria will not compete at the Mundial, Burna Boy’s appearance ensured the country remained part of the global football celebration.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States, making it the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 participating nations.
