Colombian singer Shakira and Nigerian Burna Boy released this Thursday Dai Dai, the official song of the Mexico, United States, and Canada World Cup, whose videoclip was previewed earlier this month, and which aims to remind children “that dreams can indeed be achieved.”
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“I think it will be the most special of all because this edition plans to leave an important legacy for all those children who are invisible, who live in vulnerable conditions and who do not have access to quality education,” she added to explain that she would donate 100% of the earnings from this song to the FIFA Education Fund. Precisely, at this Thursday’s presentation was also the president of the highest football institution, Gianni Infantino. The goal, they say, is to raise 100 million dollars by the end of the tournament to provide access to quality education and sports to children worldwide.
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In this song Shakira sings in English and multiple languages. Spanish is very present in phrases like “Dale, no olvides lo que vales, juega como tú sabes” (“Come on, don’t forget what you’re worth, play like you know how”). Also, when mentioning players and teams, she highlights Pelé, Maradona, Maldini, Romario, El Pibe, Beckham, Kaká, and the Spaniard Andrés Iniesta. As well as current stars like Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi. Among the teams, she mentions her country Colombia, as well as Spain and Argentina, the last world champion. The catchiest part is undoubtedly the chorus, in which the same idea is repeated in Spanish, Italian, English, Japanese: “Dale, vamos” (“Come on, let’s go”). In fact, the title, Dai Dai, is the Italian version of this message.
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“It’s a World Cup that feels different from the others. Obviously, my journey with La La La (Brazil 2014), with Waka Waka (2010) has been extraordinary. Waka Waka is one of my most beloved songs and both are also part of my musical legacy,” she pointed out, recalling that this will be her fourth World Cup. Asked if she sees herself as an ambassador of Latin America in the World Cups, the Colombian affirmed yes, since she has an “undeniable” connection with football. Thus, Shakira will not only be part of the official soundtrack of the entire tournament but will also be one of the musical protagonists of the 2026 World Cup final.
In this 2026 edition, along with Shakira, American Madonna and the South Korean group BTS will complete the trio performing at halftime — for the first time in history. Coldplay’s singer, Chris Martin, was responsible for choosing the members of this show through the charitable production company Global Citizen, which will combine American pop culture with Latin and Asian rhythms. In the last World Cup final in Qatar 2022, the musical show was part of the closing ceremony before the match between Argentina and France, featuring artists like Puerto Rican Ozuna and French Gims.
