Davido Uses World Cup Platform to Highlight Anti‑Terrorism Efforts

…as Burna Boy, Shakira light up the stadium

By Benjamin Njoku

Afrobeats star Burna Boy and Colombian icon Shakira opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday with a performance that continues to trend across Mexico.

The duo performed “Dai Dai”, the tournament’s official song, during a high‑energy ceremony at the historic Azteca Stadium. Their set drew cheers from more than 80,000 fans and set the stage for the first match between Mexico and South Africa.

This World Cup is the largest ever, featuring 48 nations, 104 matches, and 16 host cities. The opening ceremony showcased a giant World Cup trophy, fireworks, and dancers filling the renovated stadium that hosted the 1970 and 1986 finals.

Mexican pop‑rock band Mana kicked off the show, followed by Venezuelan star Danny Ocean who performed with dancers in traditional Mexican dress, leading into “Por Ella” by Belinda and Los Ángeles Azules. Colombian hitmaker J Balvin added Latin flair with “Qué Calor”, “Una a la Vez” with Ryan Castro, and “I Like It” with Cardi B and Bad Bunny, all in Mexico’s red and green.

The finale featured Shakira in yellow and purple with dark sunglasses and Burna Boy in jersey jackets. Burna Boy’s signature dance moves sparked global conversation, while Shakira matched his energy. Their performance highlighted Afrobeats’ worldwide influence and opened the stadium for kickoff.

For the first time in nearly a century, the World Cup is jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

Meanwhile, Davido also appeared on the bill, performing at the World Cup countdown concert on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Afrobeats artist wore a custom black leather moto jacket designed by stylist Hollyandroo, emblazoned with the names of more than 40 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Ogbomosho, Oyo State. The back of the jacket read “Bring Them Home” in white graffiti‑style lettering.

The jacket became one of the most talked‑about moments of the night, marking the official countdown to Thursday’s World Cup kickoff.

Davido’s appearance coincided with FIFA Sound’s launch of its largest music project to date: an 18‑track official World Cup album. He features on “No Place Like Home” alongside Nelly Furtado and Major Lazer.

While fans anticipated music, Davido’s wardrobe delivered a powerful message, directing global attention to the missing children and teachers in Oyo State.

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