How Shakira & Burna Boy’s Dai Dai Became the Biggest FIFA World Cup Anthem of the Streaming Era
The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final is officially on. On July 19, Spain and Argentina will battle for football’s biggest prize at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, bringing an end to a month-long tournament that has captivated millions across the globe.
Since kicking off on June 11 in Mexico City, the tournament has united fans across Mexico, Canada, and the United States through packed stadiums, vibrant fan festivals, unforgettable moments on the pitch—and a soundtrack that has become synonymous with the competition.
At the heart of that soundtrack is Dai Dai, the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, performed by global icons Shakira and Burna Boy.
Released in May, the anthem seamlessly blends Afrobeats, dance-pop, reggaetón, and global rhythms, creating a cross-cultural record that reflects the worldwide spirit of football. The song’s uplifting lyrics celebrate perseverance, unity, and ambition while paying tribute to football legends including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Kaká.
Speaking about the record, Shakira described it as a song of hope.
“It’s a message for every child who’s been told that their dream is too big. Every champion starts as a kid who simply refused to give up because someone believed in them.”
Adding even more meaning to the record, 100% of the song’s royalties will be donated to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, supporting educational opportunities and football programs for children around the world.
For Shakira, Dai Dai marks her second official FIFA World Cup anthem after the iconic Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. While Waka Waka remains one of football’s most beloved songs, Dai Dai has carved out its own place in history through its remarkable commercial success and unprecedented streaming performance.
Dai Dai Makes Billboard History
One of the biggest milestones came on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
Dai Dai reached No. 1, becoming the first official FIFA World Cup anthem ever to top the chart since its launch in 2020.
The achievement also marked:
- Shakira‘s second No. 1 on the chart, following TQG with Karol G in 2023.
- Burna Boy‘s first-ever No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
No previous official World Cup anthem has managed the feat. By comparison:
- Jung Kook’s “Dreamers” (2022) peaked at No. 4
- Waka Waka reached No. 42
- Nicki Minaj, Maluma & Myriam Fares’ “Tukoh Taka” peaked at No. 75
As the 2026 World Cup reaches its grand finale, Dai Dai has become more than just the tournament’s soundtrack. It’s a cultural phenomenon that has united football fans across continents while rewriting the record books—proving that the beautiful game and great music remain an unbeatable combination.
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