Shakira & Burna Boy's "Dai Dai" Crowned Best World Cup Song in Fan Poll

Fan Favorite: In a recent poll conducted by Billboard, "Dai Dai" secured over 31% of the votes, surpassing a lineup of iconic World Cup anthems spanning more than three decades. This highlights the immediate impact and broad appeal of the new track.

Strong Contenders: Shakira's own "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," the official song for the 2010 World Cup, was a very close second with over 26% of the vote. Ricky Martin's euphoric "Cup of Life (La Copa de la Vida)" from the 1998 tournament landed in third place with nearly 25%.

Musical Fusion: "Dai Dai" is a vibrant fusion of Afrobeats, dance-pop, world beats, and reggaetón. It delivers an uplifting message that resonates with the spirit of football, paying homage to legends of the sport such as Maradona, Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Why this matters: World Cup anthems are more than just background music; they are integral to the global football experience. They serve as unifying soundtracks that transcend language and culture, amplifying the passion, emotion, and shared joy of millions of fans worldwide. The success of "Dai Dai" demonstrates the enduring power of music to connect people through sport.

Rhythm and Danceability: Shakira emphasizes that a good World Cup song "has to be rhythmic" and "make people want to dance." This is evident in the infectious beats of "Dai Dai," which seamlessly blends genres to create an irresistible groove.

Anthemic Quality: Beyond rhythm, the song must be an "anthem," encouraging fans to "sing along in unison, sing out loud at the top of their lungs," as Shakira describes. This communal aspect is crucial for igniting stadium energy and fan engagement.

Immediate Hook: J Balvin points out the modern listener's short attention span, stressing the need for a song to "engage listeners right off the bat." A strong hook ensures instant recognition and memorability.

Emotional Resonance: Nora Fatehi highlights the importance of evoking a "winning" feeling, motivation, and aspiration. Wyclef Jean focuses on unity and a message of hope and resilience, aiming for a "Bob Marley-style 'Get Up, Stand Up'" sentiment. "Dai Dai" encapsulates these elements, fostering a sense of shared triumph and passion.

Global Appeal: The artists consistently underscore the necessity for anthems to be global, encompassing diverse cultures and representing many in one tune. The blend of Afrobeats and Latin rhythms in "Dai Dai" naturally caters to a worldwide audience, symbolizing football's universal language.

Q: Which song was voted the best World Cup song of all time?

A: Shakira and Burna Boy's "Dai Dai," the official anthem for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was named the best in a Billboard fan poll.

Q: What makes a World Cup song successful?

A: A successful World Cup song typically features infectious rhythm, danceability, a strong and memorable hook, global appeal, and an uplifting message that fosters unity and celebration among fans.

Q: What other songs were highly ranked in the poll?

A: Shakira's "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" (2010) and Ricky Martin's "Cup of Life (La Copa de la Vida)" (1998) were strong contenders, securing second and third place, respectively.

Embrace the Global Soundtrack: World Cup anthems are more than just music; they are cultural touchstones that unite people across continents. "Dai Dai" sets a new standard for this global connection.

Recognize Musical Innovation: The blend of Afrobeats, dance-pop, world beats, and reggaetón in "Dai Dai" showcases the evolving landscape of global music and its power to bring diverse sounds together.

Connect Through Shared Passion: These songs serve as powerful reminders of the collective spirit and passion that football inspires. Engaging with the music is a direct way to be part of the worldwide celebration.

Support the Artists: The success of these anthems not only elevates the World Cup experience but also propels the careers of the artists involved, cementing their legacy in music and sports history.

Billboard Poll Results{:target="_blank"}

AP News: Shakira and J Balvin divulge the secrets of World Cup anthems{:target="_blank"}

TODAY: Need a Playlist to Get Pumped Up for the 2026 World Cup? Try These Songs{:target="_blank"}