Shakira’s return to the FIFA World Cup stage has sparked a fierce debate amongst soccer followers after the Colombian celebrity headlined the opening ceremony in Mexico Metropolis.
The 49-year-old singer carried out the official event anthem Dai Dai alongside Nigerian artist Burna Boy earlier than hosts Mexico opened the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on the historic Estadio Azteca.
FIFA turned again to Shakira after her 2010 World Cup anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) turned some of the profitable songs in event historical past.
However whereas many followers welcomed her return, others have been far much less impressed.
Social media shortly lit up with divided reactions, with loads of Aussies slamming the Latin legend for her efficiency.
‘Nothing in opposition to her. She is nice … however there are different nice artists on the planet,’ one person wrote.
International celebrity Shakira (pictured) has drawn combined reactions for her displaying pre-tournament on the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 49-year-old (pictured) additionally carried out on the 2010 World Cup
Mexico star Raul Jimenez (pictured left) featured in his aspect’s World Cup opener win
Others have been extra vital of each the singer and the ceremony itself.
‘Nothing in opposition to her. She is nice …. however there are different nice artists on the planet,’ one viewer wrote.
‘The worst opening of a world cup,’ one other claimed.
‘This music shouldn’t be good and I am uninterested in pretending that it is good, truthfully it is simply mid, undeserving of my ears,’ a 3rd added.
Some directed their criticism at Shakira personally.
‘She’s outdated,’ one consumer posted.
‘When will Shakira retire? …it is sufficient,’ one other wrote.
One viewer questioned her look, asking: ‘Is Shakira sporting a masks or what?’
The renovated Azteca Stadium in Mexico turned the primary stadium to host three males’s World Cups
Mexican actress Salma Hayek helped introduce the second portion of the opening ceremony
A parade that includes all 48 competing nations adopted the musical performances
Be part of the dialogue
Ought to FIFA have chosen a brand new artist as a substitute of bringing Shakira again for the World Cup opener?
One other fan in contrast the efficiency unfavourably to earlier tournaments.
‘Epic? Historical past repeats like 16 years in the past however with out soul.’
Others continued to point out their help.
‘Queen Shakira,’ one fan wrote.
‘Let’s Go,’ one other posted.
‘Queen of the FIFA World Cup,’ a 3rd added.
The strongest criticism was reserved for FIFA’s manufacturing of the opening ceremony.
‘Love Shakira. However your entire manufacturing for this World Cup opening is likely one of the worst of all time,’ one viewer posted on-line.
The ceremony started with dancers sporting Indigenous costume earlier than Mexican actress Salma Hayek launched the second a part of the present and offered the World Cup trophy to FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
A parade that includes all 48 competing nations adopted, together with first-time qualifiers Jordan, Uzbekistan, Curaçao and Cape Verde.
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli additionally carried out earlier than soccer lastly took centre stage.
Mexico then capped off the celebrations by defeating South Africa 2-0 in a fiery opening match that featured three pink playing cards.
The 2026 event is the primary World Cup to function 48 groups and is being co-hosted by Mexico, the USA and Canada.
