What Happened
Shakira has shared a new preview of “Dai Dai,” the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be staged across Mexico, the United States and Canada. The Colombian star posted footage showing her singing and dancing alongside the Ghetto Kids, the Ugandan children’s dance group that has built an international following through viral performances online.
The latest clip adds to the growing visibility of the tournament’s music campaign as the countdown to the World Cup continues. The song is being positioned as a cultural bridge for a competition that will bring together teams and fans from three host countries and a global television audience.
Why the Ghetto Kids Matter
The children featured in the preview are also set to appear in the halftime show for the World Cup final, scheduled for Sunday, July 19. Shakira included them after seeing a viral video of the group dancing to “Dai Dai,” a choice that reflects the song’s emphasis on shared rhythm, youth energy and cross-cultural appeal.
For fans of the tournament, the inclusion of a globally known children’s group adds another layer of anticipation to the final’s entertainment program. Large sporting events increasingly use music and dance to build identity around the competition, and this project appears designed to do exactly that.
A Familiar Formula for a Global Event
Shakira has long been associated with major football moments. Her music has been linked to previous FIFA tournaments, and her presence gives this World Cup anthem immediate recognition in Latin America and beyond. That matters for Panama readers as well, since the 2026 tournament will be the first men’s World Cup hosted by three North American countries, a regional event expected to attract intense interest throughout Central America.
Panamanians have watched World Cup cycles closely in recent years, especially as football has grown in regional importance and as the tournament expands to 48 teams. Any anthem tied to the competition tends to travel far beyond the host nations, becoming part of the broader cultural moment surrounding the event.
Earlier Preview Included Burna Boy and Football Icons
Shakira had already shared another teaser on Sunday, May 17, showing images of her performing with Burna Boy, intercut with historic World Cup moments and appearances by figures such as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé. That combination of music, football history and star power signals a campaign built for global reach.
The repeated teases suggest “Dai Dai” is being rolled out as a major entertainment piece ahead of the tournament, not just a simple promotional track. As the World Cup nears, attention is likely to grow around how the song is received and how it is used in FIFA’s broader presentation of the event.
What to Watch Next
The biggest upcoming milestone is the tournament final on July 19, when the halftime show is expected to place the Ghetto Kids in front of one of the world’s largest live audiences. With the World Cup less than a month away, “Dai Dai” is set to remain part of the buildup as FIFA and its entertainment partners look to turn the event into more than a football competition.