Shakira's 2026 World Cup Opening Performance Sparks Online Debate

The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off in Mexico City, one of the host cities for the historic 48-team tournament, with a star-studded opening ceremony. Global music icon Shakira took center stage at the legendary Estadio Azteca, performing the official tournament song, 'Dai Dai,' alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy. This grand spectacle marked the beginning of the World Cup, which will span across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

While many viewers lauded Shakira's return to the World Cup stage as a "spectacular" moment, her performance quickly became a major talking point online. Social media platforms buzzed with mixed reactions, as some fans expressed disappointment, suggesting the performance didn't quite meet their expectations. A particularly unusual thread of conversation emerged, with a segment of users speculating whether the singer had utilized a body double, citing what they perceived as a difference in her usual vigorous energy and appearance.

This speculation, however, was swiftly countered by a strong defense from other netizens. Many argued that the claims were unfounded, pointing out that Shakira, at 49 years old, looked incredible and that it was unrealistic to expect her to appear exactly as she did in her earlier career. Comparisons to her previous iconic World Cup performances were also frequent, highlighting the enduring impact of her past contributions to the tournament's musical landscape.