Ed Sheeran and Shakira team up ahead of the FIFA World Cup

• Let's go for the 2026 World Cup.
• Upcoming duet with Ed Sheeran.
• Ed Sheeran as a guest of Shakira in New York.

Music and soccer have always shared a special bond, capable of bringing millions of people together around a shared emotion.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, set to take place in North America, expectations are sky-high, both in terms of sports and culture. To accompany this global event, FIFA has chosen to partner with internationally renowned artists to create an anthem worthy of the occasion. It is in this context that Colombian singer Shakira, already famous for her previous soccer-related hits, unveiled “Dai Dai” alongside Nigerian star Burna Boy.

However, the creation of this official song could have taken a completely different direction. In an interview with Vogue magazine, published on Sunday, Shakira revealed that she had personally contacted British singer Ed Sheeran to propose a collaboration on this ambitious project.

Convinced that his talent as a songwriter and his ability to connect with an international audience would make him an ideal partner, she didn't hesitate to pitch her idea to him. This behind-the-scenes look offers a unique glimpse into the creation of one of the most anticipated songs of the year.

A Strong Duo in the Making

This new collaboration reaffirms the special connection between Shakira and the FIFA World Cup. Indeed, this isn't the Colombian singer's first anthem dedicated to the world's biggest soccer tournament.

She had already made a lasting impression in 2010 with “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” which became a global hit and one of the most famous sports anthems of all time. Four years later, she returned with “Dare (La La La)” to accompany the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

“I called Ed Sheeran and asked him if he wanted to write it with me. He told me that his dream would be to write something for the whole world… We work really well together; we understand each other. I wanted this song to be a fusion of different elements. I wanted to incorporate Afrobeat influences, Caribbean influences, guitars… The icing on the cake was Burna Boy. I love his voice,” says the popular singer.

With “Dai Dai,” for which Ed Sheeran shares writing credits alongside producer Alexander Castillo, Shakira continues this tradition and further solidifies her musical legacy tied to the world of international soccer.

And then… in New York?

Scheduled for July in New York, Shakira's concerts are among the most anticipated musical events of the summer.

The Colombian singer, who has been racking up hits for over two decades, will reunite with audiences in the American metropolis for evenings that promise to be rich in emotion and energy. Renowned for her spectacular performances, she is expected to deliver shows blending her greatest classics with her latest tracks.

One of the highlights of these performances could be the appearance of Ed Sheeran as a special guest.

The British singer, one of the most popular artists of his generation, is expected to join Shakira on stage for a performance eagerly anticipated by fans.

This exceptional appearance would further boost the appeal of these New York concerts, which are already receiving significant media attention. With polished choreography, ambitious staging, and surprise collaborations, Shakira intends to demonstrate once again why she remains one of the most influential artists on the international music scene.

All eyes will be on New York in July for this must-see event.