Shakira brings back the real World Cup vibe with Dai Dai

The internet reacted to Shakira’s new World Cup song teaser as if it were the return of a familiar feeling. Within hours of the teaser for “Dai Dai” dropping online, it started taking over feeds and slowly pulled attention back. The teaser brought back something the 2026 FIFA World Cup had been missing so far. Its colours and uplifting beats feel like the World Cup spark, prioritising the spirit of the game.

Shakira’s is already a part of football history. For many fans, her name instantly brings back the sound and energy of Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), a track that went far beyond stadiums to become a global memory of football celebration. Later, with La La La (Brazil 2014), she once again tied her voice to the emotional rhythm of the tournament.

Visually, the teaser leans into inclusivity. This 67-second clip from the Maracana Stadium, with her holding the Trionda ball amid dancers in national colours, delivers pure festive ambience. Collaborating with Nigerian singer Burna Boy, Shakira is set to blend Latin-pop energy with rhythmic Afrobeat. While the 2026 tournament will be hosted across North America, where football often struggles for deep cultural roots, this video centres the global identity of the game.

In contrast, the earlier release, Lighter, faced a mixed response online, where much of the conversation leaned toward memes and critique rather than genuine excitement. That reaction came from a broader feeling among fans that the early soundtrack was not fully landing the way past World Cup anthems had done. The emotional connection people usually expect from these songs had not fully formed, leaving room for something more resonant to step in.

The phrase Dai Dai, which translates to “come on” or “let’s go”, feels fitting for a tournament that is still searching for its identity. The lyrics provide an emotional core with lines like "What broke you once, made you strong", adding a motivational tone.

The closing “We’re ready” message further builds anticipation. Expectations are high ahead of the song’s full release on 14 May. This already signals confidence, relying on atmosphere, imagery and familiar emotional cues tied to Shakira’s World Cup legacy.