The Soundtracks and Stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup isn't just breaking records with its 48-team expansion; it's completely rewriting the rulebook for sports entertainment.

FIFA and Global Citizen have unveiled an unprecedented entertainment lineup that turns the beautiful game into a global music festival. 

From the drop of the official multilingual anthem to the mind-boggling announcement of a Super Bowl-style halftime show for the final, the sonic landscape of the 2026 tournament will stretch across three host nations and dominate global pop culture.

Whether you are eager to stream the official anthem or counting down to the stadium ceremonies, here is everything you need to know about the music and performances of the 2026 World Cup.

The Official Anthem: "Dai Dai"

The wait is officially over. On May 14, 2026, FIFA released the official song of the 2026 World Cup: "Dai Dai" (loosely translating to "Let's Go!").

The Artists: The track brings together Colombia's undisputed "Queen of the World Cup," Shakira, and Nigerian Afrobeats icon Burna Boy.

The Sound: A masterclass in cultural fusion, the song seamlessly blends infectious Afrobeat polyrhythms with Latin pop elements. Sung in multiple languages, the lyrics explicitly call out competing football heavyweights like Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Mexico, Japan, and the Netherlands.

The Music Video: Filmed at the iconic Maracanã Stadium, the teaser features Shakira dancing at midfield surrounded by performers sporting the colors of various qualifying nations, capturing the unifying spirit of the game.

A Three-Nation Opening Ceremony Blueprint

Because the tournament kicks off across three distinct countries, FIFA is staging three separate, localized opening ceremonies on June 11 and June 12, taking place 90 minutes before their respective opening fixtures.

Mexico City (June 11 - Estadio Azteca): Before Mexico takes on South Africa, the legendary stadium will erupt with performances by J Balvin, Mexican rock icons Maná, and South African breakout star Tyla.

Toronto (June 12 - BMO Field): Canada's opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina will be preceded by a dual-headline show from Canadian icons Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette.

Los Angeles (June 12 - SoFi Stadium): Welcoming the USMNT to the pitch against Paraguay, the California stage will feature pop superstar Katy Perry, rapper Future, and global K-pop icon Lisa (BLACKPINK).

Historic Final Halftime Show: Madonna, Shakira, & BTS

In what is being called a revolutionary pivot for international football, the World Cup Final on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium (NY/NJ Stadium) will feature the first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show.

To accommodate this massive production, the traditional 15-minute halftime interval will be extended. Curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and produced by Global Citizen, the historic performance will feature three co-headliners:

Madonna – The Queen of Pop bringing her legendary theatrical stage presence.

Shakira – Performing a medley of her World Cup catalog alongside "Dai Dai."

BTS – The K-pop titans reuniting on the world's grandest stage.

Social Impact: The halftime show serves a greater purpose as a fundraising vehicle for the newly established FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Aiming to raise $100 million for children's education and grassroots sports, FIFA is notably donating $1 from every single ticket sold during the tournament to the cause.

FAQ

Is Shakira singing the main song again? Yes! "Dai Dai" marks Shakira's fourth official contribution to a FIFA World Cup, following her iconic runs with "Hips Don't Lie" (2006), "Waka Waka" (2010), and "La La La" (2014).

Which African artist is performing? Grammy-winner Burna Boy co-headlines the official anthem, while South African sensation Tyla will represent the continent live at the opening ceremony in Mexico City.

Will Lisa from BLACKPINK perform? Yes. Lisa has been officially confirmed as part of the star-studded opening lineup at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12.

Why are they adding a halftime show now? FIFA is leaning heavily into the American entertainment framework to maximize global viewership and broadcast value, drawing direct inspiration from the commercial success of the NFL's Super Bowl.