Not Shakira: World Cup opening ceremony spawned more memes than goals
- Shakira performed the official anthem 'Dai Dai' with Burna Boy at Estadio Azteca before 87,000 spectators with choreography inspired by Aztec culture
- The viral moment occurred when a merengue played after the show ended and Shakira continued dancing while organizers attempted to remove her from the stage, generating multiple memes
- This was Shakira's fourth World Cup performance (2006, 2010, 2014 and 2026), demonstrating that sometimes the best social media content is not in the planned spectacle
A World Cup is also won on social media, and the opening ceremony made that crystal clear. Shakira performed the anthem 'Dai Dai' alongside Burna Boy at the Azteca with 87,000 spectators, with choreography inspired by Aztec culture and nods to the colours of the three host nations. With this appearance she adds her fourth World Cup (2006, 2010, 2014 and 2026).
But what really exploded was something else: when they were already dismantling the stage, a merengue started playing and she kept dancing while the organisers tried—politely and painfully—to get her off the pitch. Hence the memes and the classic "was that actually Shakira?".
Frequently asked questions
What did Shakira sing at the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony?
Shakira performed the official anthem Dai Dai alongside Burna Boy at the Azteca Stadium, in front of 87,000 spectators.
How many World Cups has Shakira performed at?
Four: Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and the 2026 edition in Mexico, USA and Canada.
What was Shakira's viral moment at the opening ceremony?
After the show ended, a merengue began playing and Shakira continued dancing while the organizers tried to remove her from the stage, which generated countless memes on social media.
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