Shakira, Burna Boy Unveil Official 2026 FIFA World Cup Anthem

International music superstar Shakira has officially unveiled “Dai Dai,” the official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring Grammy-winning Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy.

The highly anticipated track was released on Friday, with Shakira announcing the development through her social media platforms.

“Dai Dai is here. The @FIFAWorldCup 2026 starts now!” the Colombian singer wrote while sharing clips from the project.

In a statement shared on its official X account, FIFA confirmed that the song is now available on major streaming platforms worldwide through Sony Music Entertainment Latin.

According to FIFA, the song captures the “energy, passion and global spirit” expected to define the expanded 48-team World Cup tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

The football body further disclosed that proceeds from the song will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative aimed at raising $100 million before the end of the tournament to provide children around the world with access to quality education and football opportunities.

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FIFA revealed that Shakira would donate all her royalties from the song to the initiative, while Sony Music pledged to match the first $250,000 generated through the project.

The newly released anthem blends Afrobeats and Latin pop influences, with both artistes delivering verses centred on perseverance, ambition, football culture and global unity.

In several lines of the song, the artistes referenced football legends and global stars including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Mohamed Salah, David Beckham and Andrés Iniesta.

The song also highlights football-loving nations such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, England, Germany, France, Spain, South Africa, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, the Netherlands and the United States.

The release marks Shakira’s return to the World Cup music stage after the massive success of “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and “La La La” at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

For Burna Boy, the collaboration represents another major milestone in the global rise of Nigerian music and Afrobeats. The singer becomes the second Nigerian artiste to feature on an official FIFA World Cup soundtrack after Davido appeared on “Hayya Hayya (Better Together)” for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

Meanwhile, FIFA has also confirmed that Nigerian music star Rema will headline the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled for June 12 in Los Angeles, United States.

Shakira is also expected to co-headline the World Cup final halftime show on July 19, an event FIFA described as the first halftime performance in the history of the World Cup final.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the initiative is designed to unite music, football and global humanitarian efforts through entertainment and cultural celebration.

The organisation added that “Dai Dai” joins previously released tracks from the official FIFA World Cup 2026 album, including “Lighter,” “Por Ella,” “Echo” and “Illuminate,” with additional singles expected before the tournament begins.

Shakira, Burna Boy Unveil Official 2026 FIFA World Cup Anthem

Team Nigeria Beats Botswana, Kenya to Claim 4x400m Relay Gold

Nigeria has continued its impressive run at the ongoing African Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, after securing its second gold medal in the mixed 4x400m relay, defeating strong rivals Botswana and Kenya in a tightly contested final on Wednesday night.

The Nigerian team, comprising Ezekiel Asuquo, Toheebat Jimoh, Victor Sampson, and experienced runner Patience Okon-George, delivered a well-coordinated performance to finish first with a time of 3:16.41, edging out their closest challengers in a thrilling race decided in the final stretch.

The competition was intense from the start, with Botswana and Kenya maintaining pressure throughout the early and middle stages of the race. However, Nigeria remained composed, benefiting from smooth baton exchanges and consistent pacing across all four legs.

Anchor runner Patience Okon-George played a decisive role in the final leg, holding off a late surge from rival teams to secure the gold medal for Nigeria.

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Nigeria’s success was largely attributed to strong team coordination, efficient baton exchanges, and disciplined race execution. Each athlete contributed significantly to maintaining a competitive edge, especially as Botswana and Kenya intensified their challenge in the closing stages.

Athletics observers noted that Nigeria’s ability to maintain composure under pressure proved decisive in securing victory in a race where margins were extremely tight.

Botswana, a powerhouse in the 400m category, and Kenya, increasingly competitive in sprint relay events, both produced strong performances but were ultimately unable to match Nigeria’s finishing speed.

Despite their efforts, both teams were overtaken in the final phase, where Nigeria’s anchor leg proved decisive in sealing the win.

The victory marks Nigeria’s second gold medal at the African Athletics Championships, following the earlier triumph of world champion hurdler Tobi Amusan, who opened the country’s gold medal account at the competition.

With the championships still ongoing in Accra, Ghana, Nigeria has emerged as one of the standout nations in early events, raising expectations of a stronger overall medal haul.

The event has attracted top athletes from across Africa, competing for continental titles, national pride, and qualification opportunities for global championships.

Nigeria’s athletics federation has expressed optimism that the country’s strong start will translate into more medals as remaining track and field events unfold.

Team Nigeria Beats Botswana, Kenya to Claim 4x400m Relay Gold

Man City Close Gap on Arsenal With Crucial Win Over Crystal Palace

Manchester City kept their Premier League title hopes alive with a convincing win over Crystal Palace, moving back within two points of leaders Arsenal and setting up a tense finish to the season.

The result ensures the Premier League title race remains finely poised heading into the final weeks, with Arsenal still top but now under increased pressure from Pep Guardiola’s side.

Manager Pep Guardiola made six changes to his starting lineup, reportedly with an eye on the upcoming FA Cup final against Chelsea. Key attackers including Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, and Rayan Cherki were rested. Despite these changes, City still controlled large spells of possession and dictated the tempo of the match after a slightly slow start, while Crystal Palace struggled to build consistent attacking momentum.

Phil Foden played a decisive role in breaking the deadlock, producing a brilliant backheel that opened up the Palace defence and led to the opening goal. That moment shifted the momentum firmly in City’s favour, as they began to play with more confidence and attacking fluidity. Shortly after, City doubled their lead when Omar Marmoush finished clinically after another assist from Foden, underlining the midfielder’s growing influence in key matches.

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Crystal Palace had brief moments where they threatened to respond, with Tyrick Mitchell coming close after forcing a strong save from Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, City’s control in midfield and defensive organisation limited any sustained pressure, allowing them to maintain their advantage comfortably.

Late in the second half, substitute Savinho added a third goal to seal a dominant performance and secure all three points for Manchester City. The win strengthens their push in the Premier League title race and keeps the pressure firmly on Arsenal as the season reaches its decisive stage.

With the result, Manchester City now sit just two points behind Arsenal, ensuring the title battle will likely go down to the final week of the campaign. Arsenal remain in control of their destiny, but any slip could allow City to overtake them in what has become one of the most tightly contested title races in recent years.

Man City Close Gap on Arsenal With Crucial Win Over Crystal Palace