When Shakira takes the stage, people pay attention, and her 2026 World Cup halftime performance had fans buzzing all over the world. Whether you have followed her for decades or are just discovering her, here is a friendly look at why Shakira remains one of the most captivating performers on the planet.
Her World Cup moment
Shakira was part of the World Cup final’s first ever halftime show, sharing the stage with Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin. Her set ran through career defining hits and reminded a global audience why she has been a fixture of football’s biggest moments for years.
The songs she performed
Her set leaned into the anthems fans wanted. She performed “Waka Waka” and a fresh take on “Hips Don’t Lie” billed as the Bamboo version, and closed with “Dai Dai,” the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem featuring Burna Boy. It was a setlist built to travel across every corner of the stadium and every timeline online.
A career built on reinvention
Shakira has stayed at the top by constantly evolving, blending Latin rhythms, pop hooks, and rock influences into a sound that is unmistakably hers. That willingness to reinvent while staying true to her roots is a big part of why her music has connected across generations and cultures.
Why her performances stand out
Beyond the hits, Shakira is known for high energy staging, signature dance moves, and a live presence that fills a stadium. Pair that with two World Cup anthems already in her catalog and a new one in “Dai Dai,” and it is easy to see why organizers keep turning to her for the sport’s marquee events.
For more on the music that shapes the moment, see our beginner’s guide to Steve Lacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Shakira perform at the World Cup 2026 halftime show? Yes. She was part of the final’s first ever halftime show, alongside Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, and Chris Martin.
What songs did Shakira perform? Her set included “Waka Waka” and a Bamboo version of “Hips Don’t Lie,” and closed with “Dai Dai,” the official World Cup 2026 anthem with Burna Boy.
Why is Shakira so associated with the World Cup? She has performed multiple official World Cup anthems over the years, making her a recurring presence at football’s biggest events.
What makes her performances stand out? Fans point to her genre blending sound, signature dancing, and high energy live staging that translates well to huge stadium audiences.
