The opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026 was star-studded but one appearance that stole the show was that of Shakira. Being among the artists that can be linked to the biggest platform for the game of football, her appearance did not take long before she became the subject of interest. Meanwhile, amidst this, her fee aroused curiosity owing to previous accounts from the FIFA events.

While many focused on the performance itself, the story behind Shakira's appearance turned out to be just as noteworthy as the show on the field.

Soon after Shakira performed at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026, questions arose about her fee for the event. However, reports suggest that the global superstar did not perform for a traditional paycheck and waived her fee. It also said that the money that would have been spent on her performance went to charity, adding another dimension to an appearance that already received worldwide attention. 

On June 11, 2026, Shakira performed 'Dai Dai' at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. The show could have easily commanded a hefty fee, instead, Shakira performed for charity. According to sources from Global Citizen who spoke to the New York Times, she was not paid a performance fee and instead decided to donate the entire thing to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

Shakira is a supporter of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is seeking to raise US$100 million to increase access to quality education and football opportunities for children globally. FIFA has not yet said how much these donated performances will contribute to the fund. Several high-profile performers are backing the initiative, with money raised going to support long-term opportunities for children through education and sport. 

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Long before her latest World Cup appearance, Shakira had already built a legacy that few artists can match on football's biggest stage. 

Shakira's participation in the World Cup began almost two decades ago, and therefore, the singer, who is also footballer Gerard Pique's ex, is considered one of the most famous musical artists associated with World Cups. One of the first instances when Shakira sang during the World Cup was in 2006, when she sang 'Hips Don't Lie (Bamboo Version)' at the closing ceremony in Germany, presenting her music to football fans.

Four years later, on the next occasion, the singer was asked for a second time to write the official song of the World Cup in South Africa. She performed the official song, 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)'. Then in 2014, she was back on stage at the Brazil World Cup and performed 'La La La'. 

Shakira's FIFA World Cup 2026 appearance ultimately highlighted more than just another high-profile performance. While initial attention centered on whether she was paid for taking part, reports that she waived her fee shifted the focus toward the charitable mission behind the event. Combined with a World Cup history that spans nearly two decades, the performance served as another chapter in Shakira's enduring connection to football's biggest stage and her lasting impact on the tournament's cultural legacy.

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Did Shakira's decision to waive her performance fee make her FIFA World Cup 2026 appearance even more memorable? Let us know in the comments!