Pop icon Shakira headlined the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Mexico City, delivering a high-profile performance alongside Nigerian singer Burna Boy. The duo performed the official tournament track “Dai Dai” at the iconic Estadio Azteca, ahead of the opening match, in a ceremony attended by thousands of fans.
The performance was widely anticipated and received a mixed response online. While many viewers praised Shakira’s stage presence and called the show “spectacular,” others expressed disappointment, saying the performance did not meet their expectations.
Social media platforms were soon flooded with debate, with some users even speculating whether a body double had been used during parts of the performance. A section of users claimed that Shakira’s appearance and energy seemed different from her usual stage persona, fueling online rumours.
However, the speculation was quickly countered by many fans and viewers who dismissed the claims, stating that it was clearly the artist on stage. Several users also pointed out that expectations of her appearance remaining unchanged over the years were unrealistic, urging others to focus on the performance rather than unfounded theories.
Despite the online controversy, the opening ceremony remained one of the most talked-about moments of the tournament kickoff, with Shakira once again drawing global attention for her involvement in major international sporting events.
