The 2026 FIFA World Cup: African Music Moves From the Sidelines to Center Stage

If the 2010 FIFA World Cup introduced African music to a global audience, the 2026 tournament demonstrates just how far that influence has grown. African artists are no longer simply contributing to the soundtrack — they are helping define the tournament’s global musical identity.

One of the biggest milestones is “Dai Dai,” the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Song, performed by Shakira and Burna Boy. The collaboration is symbolic in many ways. Sixteen years after Shakira’s iconic “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” celebrated Africa’s first World Cup, she returns alongside Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, reflecting the continent’s growing influence on global music. The song blends Latin pop with Afrobeats, celebrating football, culture, and unity while also supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

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The 2026 Official FIFA World Cup Album further highlights Africa’s growing musical dominance. Nigerian star Rema joins LISA and Anitta on the track “Goals,” while South African Grammy winner Tyla collaborates with Future on “Game Time.” Other African stars including Davido, Ayra Starr, Shenseea, and Burna Boy also feature on the album, making African artists some of the most represented musicians on FIFA’s biggest music project to date.

Beyond the official soundtrack, African artists have become central to the fan experience. FIFA has featured performers like Tyla at World Cup ceremonies and stadium entertainment alongside a diverse international lineup, recognizing that African music has become one of the tournament’s defining cultural attractions — not just an accompanying soundtrack.

The evolution from 2010 to 2026 tells a remarkable story. In South Africa, African music was celebrated because the tournament was hosted on the continent. Sixteen years later, African artists are leading the soundtrack of a World Cup hosted across North America. It is proof that Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afro-fusion, and other African genres have become part of mainstream global culture, with football providing one of the world’s biggest stages for that transformation.