Shakira, the Colombian superstar, announced on May 7, 2026, that she is teaming up with Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy on “Dai Dai,” the official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
She shared a high-energy teaser filmed at Brazil’s Maracanã Stadium. The full track drops May 14, 2026. This marks Shakira’s second World Cup song after the iconic “Waka Waka” in 2010.
For the FIFA World Cup Tournament, there have been official songs and official anthems released. These songs often brought energy, pride, and a sense of African representation to the global stage, especially in 2010. They generally made people feel uplifted, united, and celebratory, which is perfect for the World Cup spirit. 
The official songs are mainstream commercial, radio-friendly tracks intended to represent the spirit of the tournament to a global audience (e.g., “Waka Waka” or “Wavin’ Flag”).
The official anthems, on the other hand, are more instrumental or choral pieces designed to create a “stadium atmosphere.” They are often played during the ceremony or immediately before kickoff to build tension.
Here are the four anthems and some songs performed by Africans for the FIFA World Cup tournaments in the past.
SEE ALSO: FIFA 2026 Rankings: See 7 African Countries Dominating the List
Sign of a Victory, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa). Wavin’ Flag”
The 2010 World Cup anthem and songs were the most memorable. “Sign of a Victory” by R. Kelly feat. Soweto Spiritual Singers (South Africa) was the official anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament in South Africa. It was the first time an African country was hosting the tournament.
The anthem received generally positive reviews for its gospel-infused, uplifting sound and South African choir element. It was seen as a solid, respectful contribution that fit the occasion, though it was less commercially dominant than the other 2010 tracks. It added spiritual depth and local flavor.
“Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” by Shakira feat. Freshlyground (South African band, with lead vocals in Xhosa by Zolani Mahola) was the official song for the tournament.
“Wavin’ Flag” is not one of the official FIFA World Cup songs or anthem. It was only a promotional song by Coca-Cola performed by K’naan (Somali-Canadian artist). K’naan originally sang this song, but remixed it for the tournament. It blew up and was sung throughout the continent , in solidarity.
The 2010 World Cup in South Africa had the most African involvement, both because it was hosted on the African continent and because of the intentional inclusion of local sounds and artists. The tracks left a lasting legacy in football culture.
Hayya Hayya (Better Together)
This is an anthem performed by Trinidad Cardona, featuring Davido (Nigeria) & AISHA for the tournament in Qatar in 2022.
The upbeat track with R&B/reggae influences was the first single from the official soundtrack and emphasised unity and joy.
Davido’s inclusion marked a milestone as one of the prominent African voices on a World Cup song outside Africa.
The reception was largely positive for its catchy, feel-good vibe and inclusive message—artists and fans appreciated the “better together” theme and global collaboration.
It gained solid streaming numbers and radio play but didn’t reach the stratospheric cultural dominance of 2010 hits. Some listeners noted it as pleasant but not as memorable as past anthems.
La Cour des Grands (Do You Mind If I Play)
The official anthem for the 1998 (France) FIFA World Cup tournament was performed by Youssou N’Dour, a Senegalese artist. It features Axelle Red, a Belgian singer-songwriter.
The anthem blended African rhythms of cymbals and tambourines with pop. It had a unifying, passionate message about football bringing people together. The global unity theme and cultural fusion made it embraced, especially in Europe. Some fans and later rankings have called it one of the strongest or even “greatest” World Cup anthems for its emotional depth.
Zeit dass sich was dreht (Celebrate The Day)
Amadou & Mariam, the Malian duo, sang the 2006 FIFA World Cup official anthem hosted in Germany. The duo sang it with Herbert Grönemeyer, and it carried a message of change, passion, and celebration.
German-speaking markets received the anthem with open arms as it was performed live at events. Although the Malian duo added an African flavor, which was appreciated for its cross-cultural appeal, it’s not remembered as one of the all-time iconic FIFA World Cup songs.
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