The Making of a Cultural Phenomenon

The song’s title, “Dai Dai”, translates to “Come on, come on” in Portuguese, a nod to the tournament’s multilingual spirit. Mbappé, who has already cemented his legacy as France’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup history (16 goals), took to social media to tease the release with a cryptic message: “Shakira, we’re ready!”—a phrase that became the viral hook for the anthem’s rollout.

Shakira, a three-time Grammy winner and FIFA’s former global ambassador, brings her signature blend of Latin pop and electronic beats to the track. The collaboration was announced in November 2025 by FIFA, positioning the song as the tournament’s unofficial anthem, though it carries no official FIFA endorsement beyond its promotional role.

Key verified details:

• Release date: May 23, 2026 (confirmed via Shakira’s official social media)
• Venue: The anthem’s video was filmed in Los Angeles, USA, with Mbappé and Shakira performing in front of a stadium backdrop.
• Tournament context: The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams (expanded from 32) and kick off on June 11, 2026, with matches spanning 16 cities across North America.

Why This Collaboration Matters for Football

The partnership between Mbappé and Shakira transcends sports and music, embodying the global appeal of the World Cup. For Mbappé, the anthem serves as a bridge between his athletic dominance and his growing influence in pop culture—a role he’s embraced since his record-breaking 2022 World Cup performance.

Shakira, meanwhile, leverages her status as a Latin music icon to amplify the tournament’s reach in Spanish-speaking markets, where football (or fútbol) is a way of life. The song’s release aligns with FIFA’s push to increase viewership in the Americas, particularly in Mexico and Central America, where Shakira’s fanbase is most concentrated.

Industry reaction:

“This isn’t just a song—it’s a cultural moment. Shakira and Mbappé represent two of the biggest global brands in their fields and their collaboration will resonate far beyond the pitch.”

The Anthem’s Role in the 2026 World Cup

While “Dai Dai” holds no official status as the tournament’s national anthem (that role is reserved for each host country’s anthem), it will serve as the unofficial rallying cry for fans. FIFA has already integrated the song into promotional campaigns, with plans to play it during pre-match ceremonies and half-time shows.

Logistical notes for fans:

• Streaming: The song is available on all major platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube).
• Lyrics: A mix of English, Spanish, and Portuguese, reflecting the tournament’s multilingual audience.
• Mbappé’s involvement: While the video features Mbappé in a choreographed performance, he has not confirmed whether he will perform the song live during the tournament.

What’s next: Shakira and Mbappé are expected to perform the song at the World Cup Opening Ceremony in New York’s MetLife Stadium on June 11, 2026 (14:00 UTC), though official lineups are pending.

Beyond the Pitch: Mbappé’s Growing Cultural Impact

Mbappé’s foray into music and entertainment reflects a broader trend among athletes to diversify their brand. From David Beckham’s fashion line to Cristiano Ronaldo’s fragrances, modern stars are leveraging their global platforms to connect with fans beyond sports.

For Mbappé, the “Dai Dai” collaboration is part of a three-year partnership with FIFA, which includes sponsorship deals and promotional appearances. His involvement in the anthem underscores his role as France’s most marketable athlete, with a net worth estimated at $150 million (Forbes, 2026).

Fan reaction: On social media, the anthem has already broken records, with #DaiDai trending globally within hours of release. Mbappé’s Instagram post announcing the video received over 5 million likes in under 24 hours.

How to Follow the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup promises to be the most diverse and expansive in history, with matches played in three time zones. Here’s how fans can stay updated:

• Official broadcasts: FIFA+ (streaming service), ESPN, and BBC will cover all matches.
• Ticket sales: General sales begin April 2027, with early-bird packages available now.
• Venues: Key stadiums include SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles), AT&T Stadium (Dallas), and Azadi Stadium (Mexico City).