Shakira's 2026 World Cup halftime show draws global acclaim and fuels Piqué custody controversy

Colombian singer Shakira headlined the inaugural FIFA World Cup final halftime show on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. She performed the new anthem “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy, wearing a Roberto Cavalli outfit encrusted with over 200,000 Swarovski crystals. The song topped global charts, spending 17 consecutive days at #1 on Spotify and reaching number one on Billboard Global 200 and Apple Music in dozens of countries.

The performance was shared online with a backstage photo of Shakira and K‑pop group BTS, and she greeted fans in Korean, sparking worldwide praise. A separate viral moment featured Beyoncé reuniting with Shakira onstage, echoing their 2007 “Beautiful Liar” collaboration. The halftime show attracted an estimated 2 billion viewers.

In parallel, media reports detailed a custody‑related agreement between Shakira and ex‑partner Gerard Piqué that prevented Piqué’s current partner, Clara Chía, from accompanying the children at the final, explaining her absence from the stadium. Experts noted Piqué’s subdued reaction during the event.

Additional coverage highlighted Shakira’s physical fitness, a trainer’s comment on her defined yet functional arm muscles, and a gratitude story about a backup dancer whom Shakira encouraged after a previous competition loss.