Shakira Lands in Mexico Days Before FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony — Calls It 'Home'

Shakira didn't waste any time making herself comfortable. The Colombian superstar landed in Mexico City this weekend ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, and the first thing she did was remind everyone why Mexico has always felt like a second home to her.

Posting from the airport, Shakira shared photos posing with the Trionda — the official match ball of the tournament — and then, moments later, posed alongside a statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Her caption said it all: "Llegué a mi casa." Cue every Mexican fan immediately reposting that.

The arrival is no surprise given the magnitude of what's coming. Shakira and Burna Boy will perform "Dai Dai," the official song of the 2026 World Cup, live for the first time at the tournament's opening ceremony on June 11 at Estadio Ciudad de México (Estadio Azteca). The show kicks off 90 minutes before Mexico faces South Africa in the tournament opener — so plan accordingly if you're watching from home.

"Dai Dai" takes its name from an Italian expression meaning "let's go" or "come on," and was unveiled earlier this year as the official anthem for the expanded tournament. It's also tied to a bigger cause: the song supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million by the end of the tournament to provide children around the world with access to quality education and football opportunities.

And if you thought her opening night performance was the whole story — think again. Shakira is also set to co-headline the inaugural FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show on July 19, alongside Madonna and K-pop band BTS. She's basically the unofficial queen of this entire tournament.

The full opening ceremony lineup at Estadio Azteca reads like a dream setlist. The confirmed performers include J Balvin, Tyla, Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, and Maná. That's a lot of passport stamps represented on one stage.

Speaking of Belinda — a photo of both singers together began circulating on social media after Shakira's arrival, quickly generating excitement among fans, especially after it was confirmed that both artists will be present at one of the most important events of the World Cup. The image, shared on Belinda's Instagram Stories, shows both artists together during what appear to be preparations for the event — and it didn't take long to go viral. A Shakira-Belinda collab moment on that stage? We're not saying it's happening, but we're not not saying it.

The opening match between Mexico and South Africa takes place on June 11 at 1:00 p.m. CST, with the opening ceremony beginning at 11:30 a.m. Gates open four hours before kickoff, and FIFA is encouraging fans to arrive early — the stadium audience will apparently have an active role in the ceremony itself.

This is Shakira's most prominent World Cup role yet, but it's hardly her first time. Her 2010 anthem "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" became one of the tournament's defining songs, and she's been connected to the World Cup stage in one way or another ever since. In 2026, she's not just performing a song — she's headlining the whole moment.

"Llegué a mi casa" indeed.