Shakira’s performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked widespread discussion online, with some viewers praising the singer’s return to football’s biggest stage while others questioned her appearance and performance.

 The Colombian superstar headlined the opening ceremony at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy.

The pair performed “Dai Dai”, the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in front of more than 80,000 spectators ahead of the tournament’s opening match.

The performance marked the first live rendition of “Dai Dai” and generated significant attention across social media platforms.

While many fans celebrated Shakira’s return to a World Cup stage, others compared the show with her previous tournament performances and suggested it did not reach the same standard.

The online conversation took an unexpected turn when some users began speculating about Shakira’s appearance, with a handful even questioning whether the performer on stage was actually the singer.

“It’s not Shaki. Something urgent came up at the last minute, and I feel like they called in a stunt double because she doesn’t have her energy, nor does she look the same. Then she comes out wearing glasses. What do you think?” one social media user wrote.

Many fans quickly rejected the theory, arguing that expectations surrounding the singer’s appearance were unrealistic.

“People want Shakira to look the same as she did 15 years ago. For 49 years old, she looks incredible,” another user commented.

For the performance, Shakira wore a short white skirt paired with a yellow mesh top and matching gloves. Supporters praised both her stage presence and collaboration with Burna Boy.

“What a stellar performance by Shakira & Burna Boy,” one viewer wrote, while another described her as “by far the best player and artist of this first day of the World Cup.”

Despite the divided reactions, the performance ensured Shakira remained one of the most talked-about figures of the tournament’s opening day.