Shakira finally releases new World Cup song and fans say she's 'saved the tournament'
Shakira has released 'Dai Dai', the official song of the 2026 World Cup, and it's gone down a treat with football fans across the world.
The Colombian hitmaker already has a place in all of our hearts thanks to the release of 'Waka Waka' for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
She's got a long history with football. Shakira performed 'Hips Don't Lie' before the 2006 World Cup final and collaborated with FIFA again for 'La La La' at the 2014 World Cup.
On May 7th, she ended her 12-year hiatus from the footballing world with a teaser clip for 'Dai Dai' on her social media platforms. Filmed inside the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Shakira danced along to the song as fireworks went off, along with an aerial shot of the stadium adorned with the message 'We are ready'.
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Well, we only had to wait eight days for the full track to drop. The track, also featuring Burna Boy, is three minutes 45 seconds long and will give you proper World Cup fever.
Fans have their say on 'Dai Dai'
It's been difficult for many to get excited for this year's World Cup. Many will find watching games a struggle due to timezone differences in host nations the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Meanwhile, those hoping to attend matches in person face paying extraordinary prices for tickets.
Despite all that, all it's taken is a listen to 'Dai Dai' for many to forget all about that and look forward to the biggest tournament in football kicking off next month.
One person said: "This is an instant classic, omg!" while a second concluded: "She saved us, this is fire."
A third claimed, "90+5 banger to save the World Cup," and a fourth added: "This song is so addicting, bro. The chorus, the hook, the bridge and the build-up are TOP TIER."
'Dai Dai' lyrics in full
If you want to get some practice in before it all begins on June 11th, you can check out what Shakira and Burna Boy are singing below. See if you can count up how many footballers are mentioned.
Oh-eh-oh-eh (Oh-eh), eh-oh-eh (Oh-eh)
Oh-eh-oh-eh (Oh-eh), eh-oh-eh
You knew from the day you were born
That here in this place you belong
You been this brave all along
What broke you once made you strong
Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let's go
Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let's go
Come follow your desire
Where there's a will, there's a way
You are the owner of that fire
No onе can take it away
Sweat and blood to write your story
That is how you pavеd the way
You're about to reach the glory
Only one step away
All the highs and lows
All the tears and the pain
You been there through it all, been through it all
Just do it again
Now you got to believe, I believe
'Cause you know what it takes
To be living my dream
At the top of your game
Feel it, got everything you needed
Now bring it like you mean it
Just like you mean it
Dale, no olvide' lo que vales
Juega como tú sabes
Como tú sabe'
Energy is contagious, you know
And it never fails no, no
No one's getting tired, I know
'Cause you got that fire, ayo
Dream a little higher, let's go, let's go, let's go
Ayo
Ayo
We've taken all that our hearts can hold
We can't hold on to the past no more (Mmm)
From the dirt and the tears, we make gold
We are more than flesh and bones
All the highs and lows (Highs and lows)
All the tears and the pain
You been there through it all, been through it all
Just do it again
Now you got to believe (I believe)
'Cause you know what it takes
To be living my dream
At the top of your game
Feel it, got everything you needed
Now bring it like you mean it
Just like you mean it
Dale, no olvide' lo que vales
Juega como tú sabes
Como tú sabe'
Pelé, Maradona, Maldini, Romário
Cristiano Ronaldo
El Pibe, Iniesta, Beckham y Kaká
Messi, Mbappé, Salah
Brasil, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia
US, England, Germany, France
South Africa, España, México, Japan
Korea, Netherlands
Oh-eh-oh-eh (Oh-eh), eh-oh-eh
Oh-eh-oh-eh (Oh-eh), eh-oh-eh
Knew from the day you were born
Here in this place, you belong
You've been this brave all along
What broke you once made you strong (Ow)
Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let's go
Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let's go
Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let's go
Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let's go
Topics: FIFA World Cup, Fan Reactions
Daniel Marland