Shakira helped launch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City on Thursday, but instead of focusing on her performance, some viewers became convinced they were watching someone else entirely.

The Colombian superstar took to the stage during the opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca alongside Burna Boy to debut 'Dai Dai', the official song of the 2026 tournament. The performance came before host nation Mexico faced South Africa in the competition's opening match. However, social media quickly filled with speculation from fans who claimed the singer looked noticeably different, sparking a wave of "body double" theories online.

Shakira performs during the Opening Ceremony before the first FIFA World Cup 2026. Credit: Ryan Pierse - FIFA / Getty

Fans convinced World Cup performer wasn't Shakira

Shakira appeared in a yellow top, white shorts and platform sneakers, completing the look with oversized dark sunglasses. Her trademark blonde hair also appeared to have been dyed a light strawberry-red shade.

The combination left some viewers questioning whether the performer on the field was actually the global music star.

One user wrote: "Is that Shakira? She doesn’t look like Shakira? Am I tripping ?"

Several others referred to the singer as a "doble," the Spanish word for "double."

Another fan posted: "Esa no es Shakira … who dat?!?!"

A third added: "Don't tell me I'm the only one who thought that was Shakira's body double."

The theories continued to spread as more viewers weighed in online. One person wrote: "HAHA why at the World Cup opening did they bring in a Shakira lookalike?"

Another commented: "Am I the only one who thinks that's not @shakira?? They got a double in thereee."

One skeptical viewer even asked: "Real doubt. What if it's Shakira? Something tells me it's an impersonator."

Shakira reflects on personal struggles

The reaction came shortly after Shakira spoke candidly about her past relationship with former soccer star Gerard Piqué.

The singer said she felt a strong connection to the lyrics of 'Dai Dai', particularly the message of overcoming difficult experiences.

Speaking about the song, she told PEOPLE: "I always thought that I was more fragile or weaker than what life proved me to be."

She added: "Behind every experience in life, there’s always a lesson, and we have to be grateful for all those lessons, even for the people that leave you with scars, because they just make us better."

A familiar face at the World Cup

While some fans questioned her appearance, Shakira is no stranger to the FIFA World Cup stage.

The singer previously performed at the tournament in 2006, 2010 and 2014. She is perhaps best known for debuting 'Waka Waka' (This Time for Africa), the official anthem of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

This year's official song, 'Dai Dai', takes its name from an Italian slang phrase meaning "come on, come on," and marked Shakira's latest appearance at one of football's biggest events.

Featured image credit: Ryan Pierse - FIFA / Getty

Shakira and Burna Boy are set to perform the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 song, ‘Dai Dai,’ live for the first time tonight (June 11) at the World Cup Opening Ceremony in Mexico City.

The pair will headline the event just before the tournament’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa, bringing the competition’s official anthem to a global audience.

‘Dai Dai’ was created to celebrate resilience, hard work and global unity, blending different cultures through an upbeat sound and distinctive lyrics.

But ahead of the performance, many fans have been making the same comparison online, with several arguing that Shakira’s 2010 World Cup anthem ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)’ remains the benchmark for football songs and is far superior to her latest release.

Fans compare ‘Dai Dai’ to ‘Waka Waka’

Reaction on social media has been mixed, with some listeners praising the new track while others complained that it cannot compete with the legacy of ‘Waka Waka.’

One person took to X and wrote: “Shakira and Burna Boy’s ‘Dai Dai’ proves that modern World Cup anthems are overproduced, soulless cash grabs not cultural moments. ‘Waka Waka’ worked because it felt organic. ‘Dai Dai’ feels like an algorithm made it. We need to stop pretending bigger names = better songs.”

Another person wrote: “Shakira done it again after Waka Waka!! But... nothing can beat Shakira’s Waka Wala - All time favrt!”

A third person penned: “The newest Shakira song for the World Cup is just about ok. It is no Waka Waka for sure."

A fourth said: “From 2010 to 2026, we’ve had some incredible World Cup anthems… but let’s be honest: Waka Waka remains untouchable.”

Shakira is set to perform the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 song, ‘Dai Dai’ tonight. Credit: Patricia J. Garcinuno / Getty

Why ‘Waka Waka’ still resonates with fans

"Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" was the official anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was performed by Shakira alongside South African band Freshlyground.

The song became one of the most successful World Cup tracks ever released after bringing African musical culture to a worldwide audience through its adaptation of the traditional 1986 Cameroonian soldier chant "Zangaléwa."

Its mix of Afro-Colombian rhythms, themes of resilience and an instantly recognizable chorus helped it connect with people across different countries and languages. The song sold more than 15 million copies, attracted billions of views on YouTube and is still widely regarded as one of the defining sports anthems of the modern era.

Tournament faces criticism before kick-off

The build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has also been overshadowed by criticism surrounding the tournament.

Critics have accused the competition of being a target for "sportswashing," while concerns have been raised about immigration restrictions and travel bans in the United States.

Several international team personnel and match officials, including Somali referee Omar Artan, have reportedly been prevented from entering the country.

Civil rights group Amnesty International has also warned of a "human rights emergency" linked to border enforcement policies. Fans have additionally voiced frustration over rising travel expenses and FIFA's use of dynamic pricing, which has pushed ticket costs significantly higher.

There have also been safety concerns connected to cartel violence in co-host nation Mexico, along with fears about extreme summer heat conditions during the tournament.

For now, though, attention will be on Shakira and Burna Boy as they take to the stage in Mexico City, where fans will finally get to hear ‘Dai Dai’ performed live for the first time.

Featured image credit: Patricia J. Garcinuno / Getty

Shakira may be one of the most recognizable names in pop culture, but fans are only just realizing who her boyfriend is.

The Colombian megastar will be performing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony in Mexico City tonight (June 11), ahead of the clash between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.

Whether she likes it or not, the artist will remain synonymous with soccer's biggest event, after her global hit 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' became the official song of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and following her long-term relationship with Spanish soccer star Gerard Piqué.

Many argue that it is the best soccer-related song ever made, but Shakira is back with another song for this year's World Cup, titled 'Dai Dai', featuring afrobeats star Burna Boy.

She is also slated to appear in the World Cup final half-time show on July 19, alongside Madonna and BTS.

But as the 49-year-old is now back in the limelight, the public is only just realizing who her boyfriend is.

Shakira has been in a high-profile relationship without many knowing. Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation

Shakira's boyfriend and their 15-year age gap

A sense of intrigue was created when people realised that Shakira was reportedly dating actor Lucien Laviscount, who, at 34, is 15 years her junior.

The Brit is best known for portraying Alfie in the Netflix hit series Emily in Paris, which is one of the platform's most successful original series.

Shakira and Laviscount were first linked after the latter appeared in her music video for 'Punteria' in 2024, where they got up close and personal.

The singer would only confirm the relationship in early 2026 in a public appearance together, years after being seen eating dinner together in New York.

While they appeared on each other's social media accounts, Shakira only confirmed the whispers in February this year.

Despite appearing in public numerous times together, the 'Hips Don't Lie' singer cast doubt over their relationship in an interview with The Times in May.

"No romance for me for now. There's no space or time in my life for that. My plate is quite full. My kids are my priority, and my career," she claimed.

"Strangely enough, I'm in love with my career as I've never been in my life," Shakira stated, adding: "I'm enjoying my time alone as well."

Lucien Laviscount and Shakira made their relationship official in early 2026. Credit: Instagram/its_lucien

Shakira's past relationships

The Latin artist had a decade-long relationship with Antonio de la Rua, who is also her business manager.

He would sue the artist after their 2011 break-up for $250 million, after he left his career as a publicist to work with her.

But the Colombian artist's most well-known relationship was that with former Barcelona and Spain defender, Gerard Piqué, who was 10 years her junior.

The pair met while filming the music video for 'Waka Waka' and started dating in the months after it was released.

They never married, but the stars have two children together - sons Milan and Sasha.

Shakira and Piqué split up in 2022, following allegations of infidelity on Piqué's part, which prompted his ex-partner to release several diss tracks aimed at him.

She would later say that her responsibilities as a mom helped her through the struggles of a public breakup,

Delving into the details of the break-up to The Times, she admitted it was her "darkest moment," explaining: "I've been through so much pain, but it has made me perhaps in an unforeseen way a wiser person - or stronger, at least."

Despite rumors of Piqué being unfaithful and supposed diss tracks aimed at him, Shakira claimed there is no bad blood, telling the publication: "I will always have that gratitude in my heart for the father of my kids and [for] turning me into the mother that I am today."

Featured image credit: Patricia J. Garcinuno / Getty

Shakira told us back in 2006 that her hips didn't lie - and boy, she wasn't kidding!

The musician stunned her 56 million followers on Instagram last week by uploading a video of herself in a pink bikini that she had designed herself.

Spinning around while grinning at the camera, the 42-year-old looked fit and happy as could be, and soon followed the footage with a picture of herself looking fabulous in the same swimwear.

Shakira stuns in a pink bikini:

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"Ok last bathing suit pic for now ?... Only one question: who wants me to design a bathing suit for you girls? Shak," she wrote in her caption.

The Colombian singer didn't have to ask twice; soon enough her Instagram post was inundated with comments from excitable fans, who showed appreciation for her video and picture, and agreed that she should design more bathing suits.

"No words existe [sic] to describe her," wrote @fortieryanick, while @ginnie_8a was equally in love, stating: "Summer BOD GOALS???".

"WE STAN A NATURAL QUEEN!" added @j_a_a8.

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The entertainer started her own beauty line, S by Shakira, in 2010 and released three successful fragrances including S by Shakira Eau Florale, Rock!, and Elixir. In addition, she has a line of body lotions and body sprays.

In a 2014 interview with the Independent, Shakira spoke out, stating her aim was to empower women and make them feel comfortable in their own bodies.

"I felt that any woman who is in control, who is in touch with her femininity and sensuality, is a woman that is empowered. Is a woman who is comfortable in her own skin. Which is so important as well," she told the outlet.

However, back in 2010, the Waka Waka songstress said that body positivity was something that took time, and admitted she had gone to therapy to overcome her own issues.

"I am just like all women – we're born to criticise ourselves," she said. "Therapy has helped me so much in every aspect of my life from body image to relationships. It's about understanding myself – sometimes I'll speak to my therapist for an hour a day, it has become my routine. I've become so much more comfortable with who I am and the body God has given me."