Image credit : AFP

Global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy delivered a high-energy performance of “Dai Dai” during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, thrilling fans with a vibrant display of music and dance.

Shakira took to the stage following a performance by J Balvin and immediately energized the crowd with the opening verse of the tournament’s official song.

The Colombian superstar showcased her signature dance moves before Burna Boy emerged on stage to a deafening roar from spectators.

The pair danced together as fans cheered throughout the performance.

“Dai Dai” serves as the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 song and also supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at expanding access to education around the world.

Backed by a troupe of dancers, Shakira delivered a polished choreography routine, while Burna Boy matched the energy with his own dance moves alongside his dance crew.

The performance reached a rousing finale as both artists came together at center stage to lead the crowd in the song’s closing refrain, singing: “Dale, allez, let’s go!”

• Image credit: FIFA

The FIFA World Cup 2026, kicked off today 11 June in Mexico city stadium by 20.00 local time.

Mexico and South Africa in Group A are opening the match, the team they faced at the same stage of the tournament in 2010.

The focus will then shift to Guadalajara, where Asia and Europe are represented as Korea Republic do battle with a Czechia side still on a high from their success in the UEFA play-offs.

Who will end Matchday 1 with the upper hand in Group A?

Details later.

•Photo: 5iveAliveWT/X

Afrobeats superstar Davido transformed his performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup countdown concert into a powerful plea for justice.

Taking the stage in the United States on Wednesday, the singer wore a custom outfit designed to honour the students and teachers recently abducted in Oyo State’s Oriire Local Government Area.

Using his platform as a global cultural ambassador, the artiste drew international attention to Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.

The Vanguard reported that a viral backstage video revealed the striking details of his attire. Davido wore a white T-shirt reading “NIGERIA” beneath a black leather jacket.

The jacket featured the message “BRING THEM HOME” boldly printed across the back and was decorated with green circular buttons on the front.

Each button bore the name of a kidnapped victim. To differentiate their faces, the names of those still in captivity were written in white, while the names of those who lost their lives were inscribed in red.