The 2026 FIFA World Cup deserved a song that reflected the scale of the biggest tournament in football history. With 48 teams, 104 matches, and three host nations, FIFA needed an anthem capable of connecting billions of fans across different cultures and languages. The result was "Dai Dai," an energetic collaboration between Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy. However, the success of "Dai Dai" did not come from its two headline performers alone. Behind the scenes was an accomplished team of songwriters, producers, and composers who combined decades of musical experience to create an anthem that celebrates football's universal spirit. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Shakira write the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem?

Yes. Shakira co-wrote and co-produced "Dai Dai" alongside Burna Boy and the rest of the songwriting team.

Who produced "Dai Dai"?

The song was produced by a collaborative production team, with Shakira serving as one of the co-producers and contributing to the overall creative direction.

What genres inspired "Dai Dai"?

The anthem blends Latin pop, Afrobeats, dance-pop, and reggaetón to create a sound that reflects the global nature of the FIFA World Cup.

Why FIFA Chose Shakira

Few artists have a stronger connection to the FIFA World Cup than Shakira. Furthermore, she first became part of World Cup history in 2010 with "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," a song that remains one of the most successful football anthems ever released. Four years later, she returned with "La La La (Brazil 2014)," further cementing her place as one of football's defining musical voices.

Because of this history, Shakira was a natural choice for the 2026 tournament. Her experience in creating music that resonates with football supporters around the world made her uniquely qualified to lead another World Cup anthem. Her role extended well beyond performing the vocals. By co-writing and co-producing "Dai Dai," she helped shape both the musical direction and creative identity of the song.

Why Burna Boy Joined the Project

Burna Boy's inclusion reflects the growing influence of African music on the global stage. Over the past decade, Afrobeats has become one of the world's fastest-growing music genres, with Burna Boy playing a leading role in its international success. His Grammy Award-winning career and worldwide fan base made him an ideal partner for a tournament watched across every continent.

His powerful vocals and distinctive musical style introduced a fresh energy to the anthem while ensuring African music was prominently represented during the world's biggest football competition. Nevertheless, the partnership between Shakira and Burna Boy also symbolises football's ability to unite different cultures through a shared passion for music and sport.

How the Collaboration Came Together

Creating an official FIFA World Cup anthem requires far more than pairing famous artists. Additionally, the objective was to produce a song capable of connecting with football supporters from every corner of the world. That meant assembling a creative team with international experience and diverse musical influences. Shakira's Latin pop roots naturally complemented Burna Boy's Afrobeats style. The additional involvement of internationally respected songwriters helped ensure the anthem appealed to audiences far beyond their individual fan bases. Additionally, the collaboration reflects the same values that define the FIFA World Cup itself: diversity, unity, and shared celebration.

Blending Different Musical Styles in the Production of "Dai Dai"

One of the defining features of "Dai Dai" is the way it combines several musical genres into a single composition. The song draws inspiration from Latin pop, Afrobeats, dance-pop, and reggaeton, creating an energetic sound designed for stadiums filled with supporters from around the world.

Rather than allowing one musical style to dominate, the production balances each influence carefully. The result is a song that feels familiar to listeners from different regions while remaining distinctive enough to become the soundtrack of the tournament. This musical diversity mirrors the World Cup itself, where nations with different cultures, traditions, and playing styles come together to compete on one stage.

Inside the Creative Process of Song

Producing a FIFA World Cup anthem involves months of planning, writing, recording, and production. The songwriting team worked together to develop lyrics, melodies, and arrangements that captured both the excitement of football and the global scale of the 2026 tournament. Once the writing process was complete, the production team refined every element of the recording, from vocal performances to instrumental arrangements and final mastering. Shakira's role as co-producer ensured the finished track maintained a consistent artistic vision while allowing every contributor's creative input to shine through. Moreover, the result is a polished anthem capable of being performed in stadiums, broadcast worldwide, and embraced by millions of football supporters.

Meet the Songwriters Behind "Dai Dai"

Although Shakira and Burna Boy are the voices most closely associated with "Dai Dai," the songwriting process involved several internationally recognised musicians and producers.

The official writing credits include:

1. Shakira

2. Burna Boy

3. Ed Sheeran

4. Jon Bellion

5. Benny Adam

6. Alexander "A.C." Castillo Vasquez

Each songwriter brought a different creative perspective to the project. Together, they developed the melody, lyrics, and overall structure that would become FIFA's official anthem for the 2026 World Cup. However, Shakira also served as one of the song's producers, helping shape its overall sound from the earliest stages of development through to the final recording.

Why "Dai Dai" Fits the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Every FIFA World Cup has its own identity, and its official anthem plays an important part in shaping that legacy. Nevertheless, "Dai Dai" reflects the scale of the 2026 tournament by bringing together artists, writers, and producers from different cultural backgrounds. Just as the competition spans three host nations and welcomes a record number of participating teams, the song embraces collaboration across continents and musical traditions. Its creation demonstrates how music can complement football by bringing people together long before the opening whistle is blown.

Wind Up

Furthermore, "Dai Dai" is the product of an exceptional creative partnership rather than the work of a single artist. While Shakira and Burna Boy provide the voices that millions of fans hear, the anthem was shaped by an accomplished team of internationally respected songwriters and producers.