Palestinian-Chilean Star Elyanna has joined the official soundtrack lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with her new single Illuminate, a collaboration with Canadian singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez. The release marks another major international milestone for the 24-year-old artist, who has become one of the most recognizable Arab voices in global pop music. Illuminate arrives shortly after FIFA confirmed Elyanna as one of the performers for the ceremony before Canada hosts its opening tournament match on June 12 at Toronto’s BMO Field. Read More: FIFA’s Massive World Cup 2026 Twist Changes Opening Ceremony Tradition Forever The lineup for the event also includes Alanis Morissette, Michael Buble and Alessia Cara. The song becomes the fourth release from The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album. Earlier tracks included Lighter by Jelly Roll and Carin Leon, Por Ella by Los Angeles Azules and Belinda, and Echo by Daddy Yankee and Shenseea. FIFA Expands Global Music Identity for 2026 Tournament Produced by Canadian hitmaker Cirkut, Illuminate follows FIFA’s long tradition of pairing major international tournaments with cross-cultural pop collaborations. Cirkut previously worked on global hits including Katy Perry’s Roar and Miley Cyrus’s Wrecking Ball. The 2026 World Cup marks the first time the tournament will take place across three host nations: the United States, Mexico and Canada. Organizers have increasingly positioned music as a key cultural element of the tournament experience. “I am deeply proud to represent my culture, my country, and the Middle East, North Africa, and the Arab world on such a global stage … through this song Illuminate,” Elyanna said in a statement. She added that the World Cup “brings people from all over the world together to celebrate culture and humanity”. Illuminate was co-written by Elyanna alongside longtime collaborators including her mother Abeer Sbiat Marjieh, brother Feras Margieh and Lebanese-Canadian artist Massari. The music video features montages of iconic World Cup moments and appearances from football legends including Diego Maradona and Ronaldo Nazario. Arab Artists Gain Bigger Role in FIFA Music The release also reflects the growing influence of Arab and North African artists in FIFA’s entertainment strategy during recent tournaments. For the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Qatari singer Aisha joined Davido and Trinidad Cardona on Hayya Hayya (Better Together). Artists including Balqees, Rahma Riad, Manal and Nora Fatehi also contributed to the Qatar soundtrack. FIFA’s current entertainment direction has been strongly shaped by Moroccan-Swedish producer RedOne, who serves as the organization’s creative entertainment executive. The soundtrack will continue expanding in the coming weeks. Shakira is expected to release a new World Cup anthem titled Dai Dai alongside Nigerian star Burna Boy later this week.
‘Dai Dai’, Shakira Returns to the World Cup Stage After 16 Years
Global pop star Shakira has returned to the FIFA World Cup spotlight with a new official tournament song titled “Dai Dai,” reviving memories of her iconic 2010 anthem “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa).” The Colombian singer unveiled a one-minute teaser clip on Thursday from the legendary Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, one of football’s most iconic venues. Posting the preview on social media, Shakira wrote: “From Maracaná Stadium, here is ‘Dai Dai,’ the FIFA World Cup Official Song 2026.” Read More: Players Risk Red Cards for Covering Mouths at FIFA World Cup She also tagged Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy, signaling his involvement in the project. The teaser shows Shakira performing on the Maracanã pitch alongside dancers in a vibrant stadium atmosphere. From Maracaná Stadium, here is “Dai Dai,” the @FIFAWorldCup Official Song 2026. Coming 5/14. We’re ready! ⚽️🐺 @burnaboy pic.twitter.com/UcfpO0s7jN— Shakira (@shakira) May 7, 2026 According to her post, the full version of the song will release on May 14, just weeks before the FIFA World Cup 2026 begins across the United States, Mexico and Canada. FIFA World Cup countdown begins The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off on June 11, with Mexico national football team set to face South Africa national football team at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The final will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just outside New York City. Shakira’s return to the tournament soundtrack comes 16 years after “Waka Waka” became one of the most recognizable World Cup songs in history. Released for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the track combined African rhythms with pop production and became a global chart success. The singer has long maintained a strong connection with football audiences worldwide through her World Cup performances and international stadium appearances. Competition grows around World Cup music “Dai Dai” arrives amid growing competition among brands and artists seeking to dominate the World Cup music landscape. Earlier this year, beverage giant Coca-Cola unveiled its own anthem campaign tied to the tournament. The track reimagines Van Halen’s classic song “Jump” and features Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin, drummer Travis Barker, singer Amber Mark and guitarist Steve Vai. Read More: From $15 to $150: Train Fare Spike Hits FIFA World Cup Fans Balvin previously described the challenge of adapting the rock anthem for football audiences. “‘Jump’ is not a fútbol song,” he told the Associated Press in March. “So that’s why I had to put the Latin love and passion for fútbol (in the lyrics).” The updated version blends Brazilian funk influences, hip-hop production and Latin-inspired lyrics. Producers also retained the original song’s signature guitar elements while adding stronger percussion layers. Still, FIFA’s official anthem traditionally holds a special cultural position during the tournament, often becoming deeply associated with fan celebrations and global football memories. With “Dai Dai,” Shakira appears set to once again place herself at the center of football’s biggest global spectacle.
