Shakira’s performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup became one of the most talked-about topics on social media. The Colombian singer was one of the main stars of the show that kicked off the tournament, but her appearance also sparked an unexpected wave of speculation among some internet users.
A few hours after the event, the athlete shared a message on social media that caught her followers’ attention. Although she did not directly address the rumors circulating about her, she did take the opportunity to highlight the values of unity, peace, and solidarity that, in her view, should underpin a global sporting competition.
The theories that went viral on social media: Wasn’t it Shakira?
After the opening ceremony, several users began circulating a theory that quickly went viral on social media. Some social media users claimed that the person who appeared on stage was not actually Shakira, but an alleged body double.
Speculation arose from comments about apparent physical differences observed during the broadcast. While some users claimed to be convinced that it was someone else, others argued that the artist did participate in the show and attributed the differences to factors such as lighting, makeup, camera angles, or image quality.
Among the most shared comments were phrases such as: “That’s not Shakira,” “She doesn’t look like her,” or “Am I the only one who thinks that wasn’t the real Shakira?” The conversation spread quickly and made the singer one of the top trends of the day.
Although the artist did not directly address the theories or comments about her appearance, she did post a buzzy reflection on the significance of the 2026 World Cup.
In an Instagram Story, Shakira expressed her hope that the competition would become a place of togetherness and joy for millions of people around the world.
“May the 2026 World Cup take place in peace and be a source of joy and unity for everyone around the world,” the singer wrote.
He also went on to emphasize the importance of creating opportunities for children, particularly in the field of education.
“And, above all, let’s remember our little champions who are waiting for opportunities—such as education—so they can succeed in life,” he added.
Their commitment to early childhood education
Shakira’s message also highlighted a charitable initiative that the artist announced a few days before the start of the tournament. The Colombian singer announced that proceeds from the song “Dai Dai” will go to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, a project focused on promoting educational opportunities for children and young people.
In addition, the singer revealed that she will donate one dollar for every ticket sold during the special concerts of the World Cup Edition of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour.
Through these initiatives, Shakira aims to leverage the World Cup’s massive exposure to promote social causes related to education and child development.
Beyond the rumors, the artist also shared photos of her experience during the opening ceremony. In the photos posted on her social media, she appears smiling alongside other performers who took part in the show, including Burna Boy, J Balvin, and Danny Ocean.
The images captured the festive atmosphere surrounding the tournament’s opening and the enthusiasm of the performers who took part in a production watched by millions of viewers around the world.
A long-awaited return for the grand finale
Shakira’s involvement in the 2026 World Cup won’t end with the opening ceremony. The singer is already scheduled to return to the stage for the tournament’s closing ceremony, set for July 19.
In this way, the singer of hits like “Waka Waka“—a song that defined a generation during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa—will once again be part of one of the competition’s most important moments. Meanwhile, she remains focused on promoting messages of unity and solidarity, as well as supporting educational projects that benefit thousands of children around the world.
Here you can watch Shakira’s performance at the World Cup.
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