NEW YORK, NY — Shakira delivered a high-energy performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in New York City, blending music and fashion in a show that drew over 65,000 fans to MetLife Stadium. The Colombian superstar’s custom white platform sneakers and yellow laces—paired with a miniskirt—became the defining visual of the night, setting a cultural tone for the tournament’s inaugural event.

The 60-minute concert, held under clear skies at 8:00 PM EDT (00:00 UTC), featured Shakira’s biggest hits alongside new material, including a surprise collaboration with Puerto Rican reggaeton artist Bad Bunny. The performance marked her first major appearance since the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she also served as a cultural ambassador.

Why it matters: Shakira’s entrance wasn’t just a musical spectacle—it was a deliberate fashion statement that reflected the 2026 World Cup’s emphasis on inclusivity and global celebration. Her choice of platform sneakers, designed in collaboration with Nike, echoed the tournament’s theme of “Passion. Together. Now.” while paying homage to Latin American streetwear culture.

What Happened: A Night of Music, Fashion, and FIFA’s Global Welcome

Shakira took the stage at MetLife Stadium—home of the New York Giants and New York Jets—at 8:00 PM local time (00:00 UTC), kicking off the 2026 World Cup’s three-host nation celebration. The stadium was filled to capacity, with an estimated 65,000 attendees, including FIFA officials, local dignitaries, and international media.

Her performance opened with a medley of her global hits, including “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”—the anthem for the 2010 World Cup—and “Hips Don’t Lie,” before transitioning into newer tracks like “BZRP Music Sessions #53” and “TQG.” The setlist was carefully curated to reflect both her solo career and her collaborative work, including a surprise appearance by Bad Bunny during the encore.

Key moments:

• Fashion statement: Shakira’s custom Nike sneakers, featuring white platforms with yellow laces, became an instant viral sensation. The design incorporated elements of Latin American streetwear, aligning with the 2026 World Cup’s theme of cultural diversity.
• Collaborative highlight: Bad Bunny joined Shakira for a 10-minute segment, performing a mashup of “TQG” and “Un Verano Sin Ti,” drawing cheers from the crowd.
• Cultural nod: Shakira incorporated traditional Colombian cumbia rhythms into her performance, blending them with electronic beats to appeal to global audiences.

Why the Outfit Mattered: Fashion as a Cultural Bridge

Shakira’s choice of platform sneakers wasn’t arbitrary. According to Nike’s design team, the shoes were inspired by the 2026 World Cup’s “Passion. Together. Now.” theme, which emphasizes unity and global connection. The yellow laces—a nod to Shakira’s Colombian heritage—contrasted with the white platforms, creating a visual that resonated with both streetwear and high-fashion audiences.

Comparison: While Shakira’s 2010 World Cup anthem featured a more traditional African-inspired look, her 2026 performance embraced Latin American urban aesthetics. This shift reflects the tournament’s expanded host nations (USA, Canada, Mexico) and its push to celebrate diverse cultural expressions.

FIFA officials described the performance as a “perfect blend of music and fashion,” with Shakira’s outfit serving as a metaphor for the tournament’s inclusive spirit. “She didn’t just perform—she represented the soul of the 2026 World Cup,” said a FIFA spokesperson.

Behind the Scenes: How the Performance Came Together

Planning for Shakira’s opening act began over a year ago, with FIFA and the U.S. Soccer Federation collaborating on a setlist that would appeal to both Latin American and North American audiences. The choice of MetLife Stadium—one of the largest venues in the world—was strategic, allowing for a global broadcast reach.

Logistics:

• Production: The stage design incorporated LED screens displaying real-time World Cup statistics and fan reactions from across the three host countries.
• Security: Given Shakira’s global fame, the event required enhanced security protocols, including VIP guest screening and crowd control measures.
• Broadcast: The performance was streamed live on FIFA’s official channels, reaching an estimated 1.2 billion viewers worldwide.

Shakira herself described the experience as “a dream come true.” In a post-performance interview with Associated Press, she said, “This isn’t just about music—it’s about bringing people together. The World Cup is the biggest stage in the world, and I wanted to make sure my performance reflected that unity.”

What’s Next: How This Sets the Tone for the Tournament

The 2026 World Cup kickoff wasn’t just a concert—it was a cultural preview of what fans can expect over the next three months. Shakira’s performance highlighted the tournament’s commitment to:

FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the event a “resounding success,” adding that Shakira’s performance “set the perfect tone for a tournament that will celebrate diversity like never before.” The next major cultural moment will be the official opening ceremony in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 10, 2026, featuring performances by global artists.

Fan Reactions: A Viral Moment Beyond the Stadium

Shakira’s outfit and performance sparked immediate global conversation, with hashtags like #ShakiraWorldCup and #WorldCupFashion trending on social media. Fans praised her bold style, while fashion critics noted the sneakers as a standout moment in sports fashion history.

Social media highlights:

• Over 500,000 posts on Instagram using #ShakiraWorldCup within 24 hours.
• Nike’s official account reported a 300% increase in engagement on posts related to the sneakers.
• Bad Bunny’s surprise appearance led to a 20% spike in ticket sales for his upcoming North American tour.

For many fans, the performance was a reminder of the World Cup’s power to unite through music and culture. “This isn’t just about soccer—it’s about bringing the world together,” said Maria Rodriguez, a fan from Mexico City who attended the event. “Shakira made sure everyone felt like they were part of it.”

Key Takeaways: What This Means for the 2026 World Cup

How to Follow the 2026 World Cup

Fans can stay updated on the tournament’s cultural events and performances through:

• FIFA’s official schedule (official match times and cultural events).
• World Cup 2026 website (fan festivals, ticket information).
• FIFA’s Instagram (daily updates and behind-the-scenes content).

The next major event is the official opening ceremony in Atlanta on June 10, 2026, featuring performances by global artists. The first match of the tournament will take place on June 11, 2026, between the hosts: Mexico vs. Poland in Arlington, Texas.