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'.

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