Colombian superstar Shakira is set to perform at the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony in Mexico City on Thursday, ahead of the hosts' clash with South Africa. The 49-year-old singer has once again been tasked with creating the official song of the tournament, following her iconic hit Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Shakira's New World Cup Song
In the video for her new track, Dai Dai, the Whenever, Wherever singer tantalizes fans in a series of frilly ensembles. She is due to perform the song at the opening ceremony before the hosts' fixture with South Africa. Additionally, she is scheduled to co-headline the World Cup final half-time show on July 19, alongside Madonna and K-pop sensations BTS.
Romantic History: 15-Year Age Gap
The singer has sparked controversy over her reported relationship with actor Lucien Laviscount, who is 34. Shakira's age of 49 means there is a substantial 15-year age gap between the pair. They met while filming her 2024 music video for Punteria, and soon afterward, speculation emerged that they were dating. Laviscount, known for his roles on Waterloo Road and Netflix's Emily in Paris, was spotted having dinner in New York City with the Hips Don't Lie star. They later confirmed their romance through public appearances, but Shakira revealed to The Times in May: "No romance for me for now. There's no space or time in my life for that. My plate is quite full. My kids are my priority, and my career."
£75 Million Lawsuit
Shakira found herself embroiled in legal action with her former boyfriend, Antonio de la Rua, whom she first met in 2000. Eleven years later, they announced their split but reassured fans they would continue as business partners. However, in December 2012, de la Rua launched a $100 million (£75 million) legal claim against her. He maintained he played a crucial role in Shakira's global success, describing himself as "the key architect behind his management team and business strategy." Shakira rejected claims of any business dealings, insisting they were in a relationship and he merely served as her advisor. The legal dispute dragged on for years before the courts ultimately sided against de la Rua in 2013.
Breakup with Gerard Pique
Shakira and former Spain defender Gerard Pique, who is 10 years her junior, first crossed paths in Madrid at the Rock in Rio festival in 2010. They became one of the globe's most high-profile couples and had two children together, Milan and Sasha. In 2022, the couple officially parted ways following allegations of infidelity aimed at the footballer. Speaking to The Times earlier this year, Shakira described the breakdown of her marriage as her "darkest moment," adding: "I've been through so much pain, but it has made me perhaps in an unforeseen way a wiser person - or stronger, at least." Despite everything, she confirmed she harbors no bitterness toward her former partner. "I will always have that gratitude in my heart for the father of my kids and [for] turning me into the mother that I am today," she said.
Following her separation from Pique, it emerged that de la Rua had been a source of support for Shakira during her relocation to Miami. Whether the pair had rekindled their romance or were simply working together professionally remains unclear.
