Shakira kicked off the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup opening ceremony with a high-energy performance in Mexico City that was meant to celebrate football, music, and global culture all at once.
But while the performance was designed to set the tone for the tournament, much of the online conversation quickly drifted away from the music. Viewers focused on Shakira herself instead, with social media lighting up with reactions about her appearance and whether the person on stage looked quite like the star they remembered.
Shakira's FIFA Appearance Goes Viral
Shakira, 49, opened the FIFA World Cup ceremony with 'Dai Dai', a track she co-wrote with Nigerian singer Burna Boy and which now serves as one of the official songs for the 2026 tournament.
The performance took place at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, where she delivered a fast-paced, dance-heavy set in front of a global audience. She appeared in a bright yellow cut-out top paired with a skort and futuristic sunglasses.
The opening ceremony featured a wider cultural programme too. It included a dance segment inspired by Aztec heritage, followed by performances from Maná and several Latin and international artists.
Online Buzz: Is That Actually Shakira on Stage?
Almost immediately after the broadcast, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from viewers who were genuinely unsure about what they had just seen.
Comments ranged from confused to outright disbelief, with users asking things like 'Is that Shakira?', 'She doesn't look like Shakira', and 'Someone please confirm this is actually her'. Others even suggested it looked like an impersonator, and not the global pop star herself.
The conversation escalated quickly. While many viewers still recognised her performance, the debate itself added an unexpected wave of viral attention to the ceremony.
What social media noticed most was how altered she looked. One user commented: 'Her face looked different'. Others pointed to possible Botox and fillers, with some even speculating she was wearing a wig.
A critic bluntly claimed the singer 'went overboard with the fillers and that wig isn't helping her at all'.
No Official Comment on Viral Reactions
So far, there has been no official response from Shakira or her team addressing the online discussion about her appearance during the FIFA opening ceremony.
Ahead of the performance, however, Shakira did share rehearsal footage on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse of her preparation for the big night. This further supports that it was really her on stage during the live event.
Shakira Continues to Draw Global Attention
If there's one thing Shakira's FIFA performance proved, it's that she still knows how to command a global stage. From the choreography to the stadium spectacle, she once again placed herself at the centre of one of the world's biggest entertainment moments.
And while the music and performance were the official focus, the online reaction shows just how quickly public attention can shift in real time. Love it or question it, Shakira remains one of those rare performers who can still spark worldwide conversation the moment she steps on stage.
