Shakira Makes History as First Artist to Perform at Four FIFA World Cup Finals

Global music superstar Shakira has added another remarkable milestone to her illustrious career, becoming the first artist in history to perform at four FIFA World Cup finals, further cementing her status as one of football’s most enduring musical icons.

The Colombian singer reached the historic feat during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final at New York New Jersey Stadium, where she headlined the tournament’s first-ever official halftime show alongside artists including Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Nigeria’s Burna Boy. The landmark performance blended football, music and entertainment in a spectacle watched by a global audience of billions.

Shakira’s relationship with the FIFA World Cup spans two decades. She first appeared at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, performing during the closing ceremony. Four years later, she delivered what became one of the most iconic songs in football history with “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)”, the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The anthem became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and remaining synonymous with the tournament more than a decade later.

She returned to football’s biggest stage at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final in Brazil, performing “La La La (Brazil 2014),” another official tournament anthem that attracted hundreds of millions of views across digital platforms and reinforced her reputation as football’s signature musical ambassador.

Her latest appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final completed an unprecedented fourth World Cup final performance. During the historic halftime show, Shakira performed the tournament’s official song “Dai Dai” alongside Burna Boy while sharing the stage with an all-star lineup in FIFA’s inaugural Super Bowl-style halftime spectacle.

Fashion also played a starring role in the performance. Shakira wore a custom-designed Roberto Cavalli outfit featuring more than 200,000 Swarovski crystals and over 120 hours of hand embroidery, a look inspired by sunsets and designed as a tribute to her memorable 2010 World Cup appearance.

The performance received widespread acclaim from fans and critics, with many praising Shakira’s energy, choreography and ability to connect with audiences across generations. Social media platforms were flooded with tributes celebrating her enduring association with the World Cup, while many described her as “the soundtrack of football.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino had earlier described the inaugural halftime show as a historic moment designed to unite football, music and social impact, with proceeds supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Shakira’s presence, organizers said, reflected her unique connection to the tournament and her global appeal.

While countless global artists have graced World Cup stages over the years, none has maintained the consistency or longevity of Shakira. From Germany in 2006 to South Africa in 2010, Brazil in 2014 and the United States-hosted final in 2026, her performances have become part of the tournament’s cultural history, making her the only artist ever to perform at four FIFA World Cup finals.