LAGOS — Nigerian music superstar Burna Boy has joined Colombian pop icon Shakira to release the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The track, titled Dai Dai, was confirmed by FIFA and released to global audiences on Tuesday.
FIFA made the announcement through official channels. The organisation said Dai Dai captures the spirit of football as a global language that unites cultures and communities. The song blends Burna Boy’s Afrobeats style with Shakira’s dancehall and pop influences.
Burna Boy expressed excitement about the collaboration in a statement. He said being part of a FIFA World Cup anthem is a career milestone and a proud moment for Africa. “This is not just for me. It is for every African music fan who believed we would get here,” Burna Boy said.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, expanding from the previous 32-team format. Nigeria did not qualify for the tournament.
A Big Moment for Afrobeats
Dai Dai marks the first time an African artist has co-released an official FIFA World Cup anthem. Previous World Cup songs have been dominated by Latin, pop, and hip-hop artists. Burna Boy’s inclusion signals the global rise of Afrobeats as a mainstream musical force.
In addition, the song’s release comes as Afrobeats continues to dominate international streaming charts. Nigerian music has broken multiple global records in recent years. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido have built massive fanbases across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Furthermore, Portugal’s squad list for the 2026 World Cup was confirmed on Tuesday. Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make a record sixth appearance at the tournament. His inclusion ensures he remains a global draw even as the competition features fresh young talent from across the world.
Nigeria’s Reaction
Nigerians celebrated Burna Boy’s World Cup anthem role on social media through Tuesday evening. The announcement trended on Nigerian Twitter/X for hours. Many fans described the moment as validation of everything Nigeria’s music industry has built over the past decade.
The Nigerian music industry generated an estimated $160 million in revenue in 2025. Streaming, live concerts, and brand endorsements have all grown significantly. The FIFA deal adds another layer of global visibility to Nigeria’s already powerful entertainment brand.
Dai Dai is available on all major streaming platforms. FIFA says the song will be performed at key moments during the World Cup, including the opening ceremony and the final. The World Cup begins on June 11, 2026, in Los Angeles.
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