What Does Dai Dai Mean? Shakira’s New World Cup Song Explained: Lyrics in English

Shakira is once again stepping onto football’s biggest stage, reinforcing her status as one of the most iconic voices in World Cup history. This time, the Colombian superstar returns with a new global anthem, joining forces with Nigerian artist Burna Boy for “Dai Dai,” the official song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The collaboration not only reunites Shakira with the tournament she has helped define musically for over two decades, but also pairs her with one of Afrobeats’ biggest global stars.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup — the first edition to be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada — officially kicks off on June 11. Shakira and Burna Boy will perform at the opening ceremony in Mexico, debuting “Dai Dai” alongside a lineup of global stars including Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, and Maná, among others.

Since its release, “Dai Dai” has sparked curiosity around the world. Fans are asking what the title actually means, why this phrase was chosen for the official anthem, and how this unexpected collaboration between Shakira and Burna Boy — alongside contributors like Ed Sheeran — came together for one of the most anticipated musical releases of the tournament.

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The track dropped on May 14, 2026, giving fans just enough time to learn the lyrics before the tournament kicks off. Here is everything you need to know.

What Does "Dai Dai" Mean?

The phrase “Dai Dai” comes from Italian, and its meaning is perfectly suited to a World Cup anthem. In Italian, “dai” (pronounced “dye”) is a common exclamation that roughly translates to “come on!” or “let’s go!” Repeated for emphasis — as Shakira does with “Dai Dai” — it becomes an urgent, electric rallying cry: come on, come on. Keep going. Don’t stop.

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It is the kind of phrase you would hear shouted from the terraces of a packed stadium, screamed at a television screen during extra time, or chanted by thousands of fans willing their team forward in the final minutes of a knockout match. In other words, it captures exactly the energy a World Cup song is meant to deliver.

A World Cup Legacy Like No Other

Shakira does not just make World Cup songs — she makes World Cup history. Her track record in this space is unmatched by virtually any other artist in the world.

In 2010, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” became the official anthem of the South Africa World Cup and went on to become one of the most successful World Cup songs of all time, accumulating billions of streams across platforms and remaining a staple of football culture more than a decade later. Then in 2014, she returned with “La La La (Brazil 2014)” alongside Carlinhos Brown, capturing the energy of the host nation and once again delivering a song that defined the tournament.

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With “Dai Dai,” Shakira goes for a third World Cup anthem — and if history is any indication, she knows exactly how to bottle the feeling of the world’s biggest sporting event.

Shakira’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've been this brave all along

What broke you once made you strong

Dai dai, 行こう, dale, allez, let's go

Dai dai, 行こう, dale, allez, let's go

Come follow your desire

When there's a will, there's a way

You're the owner of that fire

No one can take it away

Spit out blood to write your story

That is how you paved 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've 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, olvida lo que vale

Juega como tú sabes

Como tú sabes

And it's just contagious (you know)

And it never fades (no, no)

No one's getting tired (I know)

'Cause you got that fire (hey, yo)

Aim a little higher

Let's go, let's go, let's go

Hey, yo

Hey, yo

We've taken all that our hearts can hold

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

From the dirt and the tears, we make gold

We are more than flesh and bones

All the highs and lows (highs and lows)

All the tears and the pain

You've 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, olvida lo que vale

Juega como tú sabes

Como tú sabes

Pelé, Maradona, Maldini, Romario

Cristiano, Ronaldo

El Pibe, Iniesta, Beckham y Kaká

Messi, Mbappé, Salah

Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia

US, England, Germany, France

South Africa, España, Mexico, Japan

Korea, Netherlands

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

Eh, oh-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

Dai dai, 行こう, dale, allez, let's go

Dai dai, 行こう, dale, allez, let's go

Dai dai, 行こう, dale, allez, let's go

Dai dai, 行こう, dale, allez, let's go