Shakira’s DAI DAI Meaning and Lyrics in English of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Anthem

When Shakira releases a World Cup anthem, the world stops. On May 14, 2026, the Colombian superstar officially unveiled “DAI DAI,” the official song for the FIFA World Cup 2026 — and once again, she delivered a global anthem built for stadiums, celebrations, and unforgettable soccer moments.

Blending afrobeats, dance-pop, reggaetón, and world music influences, the nearly four-minute track captures the multicultural energy of the tournament that will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Shakira Returns as the Queen of World Cup Anthems

This marks the third time Shakira has been part of a FIFA World Cup soundtrack, following her iconic appearances during South Africa 2010, and Brazil 2014. With hits like “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” becoming part of soccer history, Shakira has become the artist most closely associated with the sound of the World Cup era.

For “DAI DAI,” she teamed up with Ed Sheeran as co-writer and collaborated with Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, one of the leading voices behind the global rise of afrobeats.

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The official music video was filmed at the legendary Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during Shakira’s visit for her massive Copacabana concert.

What Does “DAI DAI” Mean?

The title itself reflects the global spirit of soccer. Here, Shakira combines different ways of saying “let’s go” from multiple languages and cultures:

• “Dai Dai” in Italian
• “Ikō” in Japanese
• “Dale” in Spanish
• “Let’s go” in English

The multilingual hook symbolizes how the World Cup brings together fans from every corner of the planet, regardless of language or nationality.

The chorus repeats: “Dai, dai, ikō, dale, allez, let’s go.”

The Meaning Behind the Lyrics

Lyrically, “DAI DAI” stays true to the emotional core of sports: resilience, ambition, and overcoming obstacles.

In the opening verse, sung in English, Shakira delivers the song’s central message:

“You knew from the day you were born

That here in this place you belong

You been this brave all along

What broke you once made you strong”

The lyrics speak directly to athletes chasing greatness, but also to fans, kids and dreamers who connect with the emotional journey behind competition.

The song emphasizes sacrifice, determination, and the pursuit of glory — themes that perfectly match the intensity and passion of the World Cup.

A World Cup Song With a Bigger Purpose

Beyond the music, FIFA announced that royalties generated by “DAI DAI” will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, adding a philanthropic dimension to the project.

The organization has also released an official 2026 World Cup album featuring artists connected to the host nations — the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The lineup includes collaborations from Jelly Roll and Carín León, Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda, as well as Jessie Reyez and Elyanna.

The Countdown to FIFA World Cup 2026

The tournament will kick off on June 11, 2026, at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, while the final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium.

And just like in every World Cup she’s touched before, Shakira has already given fans the soundtrack to the moment.

Shakira & Burna Boy's DAI DAI Lyrics in English

Oh-eh-oh-eh (Oh-eh), eh-oh-eh (Oh-eh)

Oh-eh-oh-eh (Oh-eh), eh-oh-eh

You knew from the day you were born

That here in this place you belong

You been this brave all along

What broke you once made you strong

Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let's go

Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let's go

Come follow your desire

Where there's a will, there's a way

You are the owner of that fire

No onе can take it away

Sweat and blood to write your story

That is how you pavеd the way

You're about to reach the glory

Only one step away

All the highs and lows

All the tears and the pain

You been there through it all, been through it all

Just do it again

Now you got to believe, I believe

'Cause you know what it takes

To be living my dream

At the top of your game

Feel it, got everything you needed

Now bring it like you mean it

Just like you mean it

Dale, no olvide' lo que vales

Juega como tú sabes

Como tú sabe'

Energy's contagious, you know

And it never fails, no, no

No one's getting tired, I know

'Cause you got that fire, ayo

Dream a little higher, let's go, let's go, let's go

Ayo

Ayo

We've taken all that our hearts can hold

And we can't hold on to the past no more (Mmm)

From the dirt and the tears, we make gold

And we are more than flesh and bones

All the highs and lows (Highs and lows)

All the tears and the pain

You been there through it all, been through it all

Just do it again

Now you got to believe (I believe)

'Cause you know what it takes

To be living my dream

At the top of your game

Feel it, got everything you needed

Now bring it like you mean it

Just like you mean it

Dale, no olvide' lo que vales

Juega como tú sabes

Como tú sabe'

Pelé, Maradona, Maldini, Romário

Cristiano Ronaldo

El Pibe, Iniesta, Beckham y Kaká

Messi, Mbappé, Salah

Brasil, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia

US, England, Germany, France

South Africa, España, México, Japan

Korea, Netherlands

Oh-eh-oh-eh (Oh-eh), eh-oh-eh

Oh-eh-oh-eh (Oh-eh), eh-oh-eh

Knew from the day you were born

Here in this place, you belong

You've been this brave all along

What broke you once made you strong (Ow)

Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let's go

Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let's go

Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let's go

Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let's go