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Fans make same complaint about Shakira ahead of World Cup opening ceremony performance
Michelle H.
Shakira and Burna Boy are set to perform the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 song, ‘Dai Dai,’ live for the first time tonight (June 11) at the World Cup Opening Ceremony in Mexico City.
The pair will headline the event just before the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa, bringing the competition’s official anthem to a global audience.
‘Dai Dai’ was created to celebrate resilience, hard work and global unity, blending different cultures through an upbeat sound and distinctive lyrics.
But ahead of the performance, many fans have been making the same comparison online, with several arguing that Shakira’s 2010 World Cup anthem ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ remains the benchmark for football songs and is far superior to her latest release.
Fans compare ‘Dai Dai’ to ‘Waka Waka’
Reaction on social media has been mixed, with some listeners praising the new track while others complained that it cannot compete with the legacy of ‘Waka Waka.’
One person took to X and wrote: “Shakira and Burna Boy’s ‘Dai Dai’ proves that modern World Cup anthems are overproduced, soulless cash grabs not cultural moments. ‘Waka Waka’ worked because it felt organic. ‘Dai Dai’ feels like an algorithm made it. We need to stop pretending bigger names = better songs.”
Another person wrote: “Shakira done it again after Waka Waka!! But... nothing can beat Shakira’s Waka Wala - All time favrt!”
A third person penned: “The newest Shakira song for the World Cup is just about ok. It is no Waka Waka for sure."
A fourth said: “From 2010 to 2026, we’ve had some incredible World Cup anthems… but let’s be honest: Waka Waka remains untouchable.”
Why ‘Waka Waka’ still resonates with fans
"Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" was the official anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was performed by Shakira alongside South African band Freshlyground.
The song became one of the most successful World Cup tracks ever released after bringing African musical culture to a worldwide audience through its adaptation of the traditional 1986 Cameroonian soldier chant "Zangaléwa."
Its mix of Afro-Colombian rhythms, themes of resilience and an instantly recognizable chorus helped it connect with people across different countries and languages. The song sold more than 15 million copies, attracted billions of views on YouTube and is still widely regarded as one of the defining sports anthems of the modern era.
Tournament faces criticism before kick-off
The build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has also been overshadowed by criticism surrounding the tournament.
Critics have accused the competition of being a target for "sportswashing," while concerns have been raised about immigration restrictions and travel bans in the United States.
Several international team personnel and match officials, including Somali referee Omar Artan, have reportedly been prevented from entering the country.
Civil rights group Amnesty International has also warned of a "human rights emergency" linked to border enforcement policies. Fans have additionally voiced frustration over rising travel expenses and FIFA's use of dynamic pricing, which has pushed ticket costs significantly higher.
There have also been safety concerns connected to cartel violence in co-host nation Mexico, along with fears about extreme summer heat conditions during the tournament.
For now, though, attention will be on Shakira and Burna Boy as they take to the stage in Mexico City, where fans will finally get to hear ‘Dai Dai’ performed live for the first time.