Burna Boy and Shakira perform the official anthem “Dai Dai” during the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City.

Burna Boy has officially performed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony — and the moment was everything Nigerian music fans have been waiting for. The Lagos-born Afrobeats star took the stage at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June, alongside Colombian superstar Shakira, in front of over 80,000 fans inside the stadium and millions watching around the world.

Shakira opened the performance, taking to the pitch and executing the choreography of “Dai Dai” — the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem — with her dancers before Burna Boy joined her on stage. The two danced together as the crowd roared, closing the song with “Dale, allez, let’s go!” Following the performance, plumes of red and green smoke erupted from the top of the stadium in a nod to the colours of the Mexican flag.

Shakira performs the tournament anthem with her choreography team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening festivities in Mexico City. Photo Credit: FIFA/Instagram

For Shakira, the performance was a return to the World Cup stage 16 years after “Waka Waka” became the defining cultural moment of the 2010 South Africa tournament. For Burna Boy, it was one of the biggest stages any Nigerian artist has ever stood on — performing the official anthem of the most watched sporting event on the planet.

The ceremony also featured Tyla and Megan Thee Stallion, with Alejandro Fernández performing the Mexican national anthem and Tyla delivering the South African anthem. World Cup Ambassador Salma Hayek Pinault also welcomed fans from around the world before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa got underway.

Shakira participates in the official on-field choreography rehearsal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

Global artist Shakira performs the official anthem “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy during the World Cup opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca. Photo Credit: Gianni Infantino/Instagram

 

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IShowSpeed wearing a red Portugal jersey with number 7, shouting excitedly in a stadium surrounded by diverse football fans holding flags from Nigeria, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.

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Tiwa Savage styles a cropped Arsenal FC kit with relaxed utility denim for the London football parade. Photo Credit: Tiwa Savage/Instagram

When Arsenal took to the streets to celebrate their triumphant title parade, all eyes were on London—but it was our very own Afrobeats queen, Tiwa Savage, who brought a distinct flair to the historic trophy celebration.

The multi-award-winning singer stepped out to celebrate the team’s massive achievement, making sure to represent home while supporting her favourite club.

She cleverly reimagined a classic red-and-white Arsenal football jersey, styling it as a tight crop that sat perfectly above a pair of ultra-baggy, wide-leg utility jeans. The relaxed, light-wash denim featured large front patch pockets, creating a relaxed, floor-grazing street silhouette.

Proving that her patriotism travels everywhere with her, she draped the green-and-white Nigerian flag across her shoulders, making a bold statement amidst the sea of red. For accessories, she kept things functional yet high-fashion, fastening an off-white leather belt pouch at her waist, wearing neutral headwear, and stacking bracelets on her wrists.

Tiwa Savage displays the green-and-white Nigerian flag during the club’s historic title celebrations. Photo Credit: Tiwa Savage/Instagram

The absolute talking point of the outfit was her choice of footwear. Poking out from beneath her sweeping denim cuffs was a pair of white Maison Margiela Tabi split-toe shoes, adding a major avant-garde element to a football-centered afternoon.

It is safe to say she found the ultimate sweet spot between sports culture and high-end street style.

Are you loving how she styled her jersey for the parade?

 

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Official promotional artwork for Future and Tyla’s FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem “Game Time,” produced by Cirkut.

The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album is getting bigger, and its latest addition brings together two artists from very different corners of the music world. Tyla and Future have released “Game Time,” a new single from the project that pairs the South African star’s vocals with the Atlanta rapper’s unmistakable flow.

One thing listeners may not see coming is Tyla’s rap verse. Best known for her melodic delivery, she switches things up on “Game Time,” stepping into a faster, more rhythmic pocket that adds a different layer to the song. The accompanying video mirrors the scale of the tournament, weaving together performance scenes and football-inspired visuals that build anticipation for the months ahead.

For Tyla, the song is more than just another collaboration. She described being part of the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album as a full-circle moment, reflecting on South Africa’s hosting of the tournament in 2010. “I’m so excited to perform at the opening ceremonies. Let’s go Bafana Bafana,” she said. Future echoed the global significance of the event, describing the World Cup as a stage unlike any other and expressing his excitement about performing the track live in Los Angeles.

“Game Time” also joins a growing list of World Cup releases featuring African artists. Burna Boy recently teamed up with Shakira on “Dai Dai,” whose official video features Uganda’s renowned dance troupe, the Ghetto Kids. With Tyla, Burna Boy, Rema and others involved in this year’s musical rollout, African artists are helping shape the soundtrack to football’s biggest event.

Watch below

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The official promotional artwork for the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” a historic cross-cultural track by Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram 

If you have been counting down to the World Cup and listening to “Dai Dai” on repeat, the good news is that you can now head straight to Shakira’s YouTube channel to watch the official music video. The Colombian pop icon and Burna Boy have officially dropped the highly anticipated visuals for their mega-collaboration, and it is already pulling in massive numbers online. Directed by Hannah Lux Davis, the video splits its breathtaking scale between the sun-drenched streets of Miami and a stunning sequence with Shakira perched right on top of Mexico City’s iconic Angel of Independence.

While the track is a certified summer bop, the insane star power in this video has everyone talking. Serving as the official anthem for the tournament and the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, the visuals feature huge cameos from football royalty. Keep your eyes peeled because Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Rodri all make major appearances, adding some serious sports authority to the global track.

Shakira on set for the “Dai Dai” official music video, celebrating her historic return to the global football tournament stage. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

Despite the multi-million dollar football roster, the absolute heart and soul of the video belongs to Uganda’s phenomenal Triplets Ghetto Kids. The dance troupe is featured heavily right from the opening frames, delivering their unmistakable pace alongside Shakira in a dramatic desert landscape set against a massive Baobab tree.

Their inclusion brings a raw African dance spirit to the screen, completely stealing the show and grounding the video’s theme of global unity. Burna Boy delivers his verses with effortless charisma, showing once again why he is a premier global performer.

Watch below

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The official promotional artwork for the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” a historic cross-cultural track by Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

The wait is over. Nigerian Afrobeats icon Burna Boy and Colombian superstar Shakira have released “Dai Dai,” the official FIFA World Cup 2026 song. It is Burna Boy’s first time on an official FIFA World Cup anthem, and Shakira’s second — her first being the iconic Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) from the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

“Dai Dai” is a nearly four-minute track blends Afrobeats, dance-pop, and reggaetón into a chorus that rallies in five languages — Japanese, Spanish, French, English, and Italian — with the words “Dai, dai, ikou, dale, allez, let’s go.” Lyrically, it is a love letter to football and the people who play it. Shakira opens with “You knew from the day you were born, that here in this place you belong,” while Burna follows with “Go follow your desire, where there’s a will there’s a way.” The pair also shout out the legends — Maradona, Maldini, Ronaldo, Beckham, Kaká, and Messi — as well as participating countries including Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, the United States, and the Netherlands.

Royalties from “Dai Dai” will go towards the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is targeting $100 million by the end of the tournament to provide children across the world with access to quality education and football.

Shakira on set for the “Dai Dai” official music video, celebrating her historic return to the global football tournament stage. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

Africa’s presence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup goes well beyond the official anthem. A record 10 African teams have qualified for this tournament — Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, South Africa, and DR Congo. On the performance side, Tyla and Rema will also perform at the US opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 12 June alongside Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, and LISA.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on 11 June at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and wraps on 19 July at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where Shakira will co-headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show alongside Madonna and BTS. Dai Dai will almost certainly soundtrack all of it.

Listen to “Dai Dai” below

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Nigerian star Rema and South Africa’s Tyla are set to perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony at the Los Angeles Stadium on 12 June 2026.

Don’t you just love it when the worlds of music and football come together? There is something truly special about the way a massive stadium anthem can unite fans from every corner of the globe, and for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Africa is taking centre stage. FIFA has officially confirmed that Rema and Tyla are set to headline the opening ceremony in the United States, ensuring that the sounds of Afrobeats and Amapiano lead the world’s biggest sporting conversation.

The ceremony is scheduled for 12 June 2026 at the Los Angeles Stadium. Designed to celebrate the cultural diversity of the host nation, the event will see Rema and Tyla joining a star-studded lineup that includes Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, and LISA. This Los Angeles showcase is one of three major opening celebrations across North America, with additional events planned for Mexico City and Toronto.

The African excellence doesn’t stop at the opening ceremony, either. Burna Boy is making history as a featured artist on the official 2026 FIFA World Cup theme song. Titled “Dai Dai“, the track sees him collaborating with the legendary Shakira, who returns to the World Cup fold following her iconic 2010 anthem. The collaboration is expected to be a massive global hit, blending Burna’s distinct sound with Shakira’s world-renowned pop style. The full track is expected to drop on 14 May 2026.

So, while you are getting ready to cheer your teams on and support your favourite players, don’t forget to get your groove on with the music. We have no doubt that Rema and Tyla will perform awesomely, providing the perfect vibes for the world’s biggest football party.

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Shakira and Burna Boy have partnered for the official 2026 FIFA World Cup song, “Dai Dai”. The track, which serves as the lead anthem for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled for a global release on 14th May 2026.

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially on, and from 11th June 2026 to 19th July 2026, football fans all around the world will be glued to their screens for the largest edition of the tournament yet. But before then, we have a song that we will be jamming to—as a matter of fact, we are already jamming to it. The “Queen of World Cup Anthems,” Shakira, is back, and this time she has teamed up with our very own African Giant, Burna Boy, for the official 2026 FIFA World Cup song titled “Dai Dai.”

Both artists shared a 67-second teaser in a joint Instagram post filmed at the Maracaná Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. In the clip, Shakira appears on the pitch wearing a yellow top and blue skirt while holding the “Trionda,” the official match ball for the 2026 tournament.

The song pulls together Caribbean rhythms, Latin pop, and Burna Boy’s Afrobeats sound into something built for stadium singalongs, football celebrations, and those moments when entire crowds start chanting together without needing instructions. It also mirrors the international spirit of the tournament itself, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico serving as host nations.

The full song arrives globally on 14th May 2026, but the teaser alone already has people online singing the “Oe, oe, oe” chorus. The track also moves between English and Spanish lyrics centred around unity and togetherness,

The full song is scheduled for a global release on 14th May 2026. While we have only heard snippets so far, the chorus featuring the classic football chant “Oe, oe, oe” alongside English and Spanish lyrics about unity has already gained significant traction online. Shakira, who previously delivered anthems like “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” in 2010 and “La La La” in 2014, expressed her excitement on social media, saying: “From Maracaná Stadium, here is ‘Dai Dai,’ the FIFA World Cup Official Song 2026. Coming 5/14. We’re ready!” FIFA also shared the clip, echoing the sentiment with a simple: “We’re ready!”

Watch below

 

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Former Arsenal player, Thomas Partey has been ruled out of Ghana's opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Panama after the Canadian government denied his visa application.

The news was confirmed by the world football governing body FIFA on Friday, June 12, 2026. As a result, the midfielder will be unable to travel from Ghana's training base in Boston to Toronto for the Group L opener.

What did FIFA say about Thomas Partey?

FIFA confirmed that visa and immigration decisions are the sole responsibility of host governments and are outside the governing body's control.

"FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana's Team Base Camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government. FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country."

The 32-year-old remains eligible for Ghana's other group-stage matches in the United States, including fixtures against England and Croatia.

Reports are indicating that the visa refusal is linked to ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where Partey has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges. Canadian authorities have not publicly commented on the specific reason for the decision.

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Here are the fixtures to be played, results and the current group standings table at the 2026 World Cup.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is beginning to take shape as the group stage gathers momentum, with several teams already making strong starts in their quest for a place in the knockout rounds.

Opening-round fixtures have produced early winners and losers, setting up intriguing battles in the race for qualification. Here are the latest results, upcoming fixtures and the current standings across the groups as the tournament unfolds.

FIFA World Cup 2026 results

• Mexico 2-0 South Africa
• South Korea 2-1 Czechia

FIFA 2026 World Cup standings table

Group A Standings

FIFA World Cup 2026 Fixtures (WAT)

Thursday, 11 June 2026

• 8:00 PM — Mexico vs South Africa

Friday, 12 June 2026

• 3:00 AM — South Korea vs Czechia
• 8:00 PM — Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Saturday, 13 June 2026

• 2:00 AM — USA vs Paraguay
• 8:00 PM — Qatar vs Switzerland
• 11:00 PM — Brazil vs Morocco

Sunday, 14 June 2026

• 2:00 AM — Haiti vs Scotland
• 5:00 AM — Australia vs Turkey
• 6:00 PM — Germany vs Curaçao
• 9:00 PM — Netherlands vs Japan

Monday, 15 June 2026

• 12:00 AM — Côte d’Ivoire vs Ecuador
• 3:00 AM — Sweden vs Tunisia
• 5:00 PM — Spain vs Cape Verde
• 8:00 PM — Belgium vs Egypt
• 11:00 PM — Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay

Tuesday, 16 June 2026

• 2:00 AM — Iran vs New Zealand
• 8:00 PM — France vs Senegal
• 11:00 PM — Iraq vs Norway

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

• 2:00 AM — Argentina vs Algeria
• 5:00 AM — Austria vs Jordan
• 6:00 PM — Portugal vs DR Congo
• 9:00 PM — England vs Croatia

Thursday, 18 June 2026

• 12:00 AM — Ghana vs Panama
• 3:00 AM — Uzbekistan vs Colombia
• 5:00 PM — Czechia vs South Africa
• 8:00 PM — Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
• 11:00 PM — Canada vs Qatar

Friday, 19 June 2026

• 2:00 AM — Mexico vs South Korea
• 8:00 PM — USA vs Australia
• 11:00 PM — Scotland vs Morocco

Saturday, 20 June 2026

• 1:30 AM — Brazil vs Haiti
• 4:00 AM — Turkey vs Paraguay
• 6:00 PM — Netherlands vs Sweden
• 9:00 PM — Germany vs Côte d’Ivoire

Sunday, 21 June 2026

• 1:00 AM — Ecuador vs Curaçao
• 5:00 AM — Tunisia vs Japan
• 5:00 PM — Spain vs Saudi Arabia
• 8:00 PM — Belgium vs Iran
• 11:00 PM — Uruguay vs Cape Verde

Monday, 22 June 2026

• 2:00 AM — New Zealand vs Egypt
• 6:00 PM — Argentina vs Austria
• 10:00 PM — France vs Iraq

Tuesday, 23 June 2026

• 1:00 AM — Norway vs Senegal
• 4:00 AM — Jordan vs Algeria
• 6:00 PM — Portugal vs Uzbekistan
• 9:00 PM — England vs Ghana

Wednesday, 24 June 2026

• 12:00 AM — Panama vs Croatia
• 3:00 AM — Colombia vs DR Congo
• 8:00 PM — Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar
• 8:00 PM — Switzerland vs Canada
• 11:00 PM — Morocco vs Haiti
• 11:00 PM — Scotland vs Brazil

Thursday, 25 June 2026

• 2:00 AM — Czechia vs Mexico
• 2:00 AM — South Africa vs South Korea
• 9:00 PM — Curaçao vs Côte d’Ivoire
• 9:00 PM — Ecuador vs Germany

Friday, 26 June 2026

• 12:00 AM — Japan vs Sweden
• 12:00 AM — Tunisia vs Netherlands
• 3:00 AM — Paraguay vs Australia
• 3:00 AM — Turkey vs USA
• 8:00 PM — Norway vs France
• 8:00 PM — Senegal vs Iraq

Saturday, 27 June 2026

• 1:00 AM — Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia
• 1:00 AM — Uruguay vs Spain
• 4:00 AM — Egypt vs Iran
• 4:00 AM — New Zealand vs Belgium
• 10:00 PM — Croatia vs Ghana
• 10:00 PM — Panama vs England

Sunday, 28 June 2026

• 12:30 AM — Colombia vs Portugal
• 12:30 AM — DR Congo vs Uzbekistan
• 3:00 AM — Algeria vs Austria
• 3:00 AM — Jordan vs Argentina

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UEFA has moved to recognize and support Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan after he was denied entry into the United States and consequently missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a significant gesture to compensate him, UEFA appointed Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria. The appointment was made in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football and is widely seen as compensation and recognition for the opportunity he lost due to circumstances beyond his control.

What happened to Omar Abdulkadir?

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was due to become the first Somali official to referee at a FIFA World Cup. However, when he arrived in Miami ahead of the 2026 tournament, U.S. authorities denied him entry despite him holding a valid visa and FIFA accreditation.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the decision was based on unspecified "vetting concerns. Reports indicate that Artan underwent extensive questioning before being sent back to Istanbul. While some media outlets reported that authorities were investigating alleged links to individuals connected to extremist groups, no public evidence has been released, and Artan has denied any wrongdoing.

Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup, was denied entry into the U.S. despite holding a valid visa. UEFA President Aleksander ÄŒeferin and CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised his achievements and described the Super Cup appointment as a way to honor one of Africa's top referees.

The move has been widely welcomed across the football community, with many viewing it as UEFA's response to the disappointment of Artan missing football's biggest tournament.

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Manchester United have confirmed that Jadon Sancho will leave the club this summer after deciding not to extend his contract.

His time at United was marked by flashes of brilliance, managerial changes, injuries, and a highly publicized fallout with former manager Erik ten Hag in 2023. That dispute ultimately led to Sancho being frozen out of the first team before securing loan moves away from the club.

He first returned to Borussia Dortmund, helping the German side reach the 2024 UEFA Champions League final, before spending subsequent periods away from Manchester in search of regular football.

The winger's deal expires at the end of June 2026, bringing an end to his five-year spell at Old Trafford. Sancho joined United from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 for a reported £73-75 million but struggled to establish himself consistently, spending recent seasons on loan at Dortmund, Chelsea, and Aston Villa.

The club's retained list announcement confirmed Sancho's departure alongside players such as Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia. During his United career, Sancho made 83 appearances, scored 12 goals, and won the EFL Cup, but he never fully lived up to the expectations that accompanied his big-money move.

What club will sign Jadon Sancho next season?

This means that Sancho will become a free agent and can now negotiate with interested clubs. Reports have linked him with a permanent stay at Aston Villa, a return to Borussia Dortmund, and interest from several clubs across Europe.

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Kylian Mbappé’s early departure from the France national team camp following the friendly against Northern Ireland has sparked criticism back home in France.

Despite the fact that the exit was officially approved due to personal reasons, the Real Madrid star was later spotted in Madrid with his partner. This has led some supporters to question his priorities, with critics arguing that he is placing his personal life ahead of his responsibilities to the national team.

Why did Kylian Mbappe leave the France camp?

The development has raised concerns for both France and Real Madrid, given Mbappé's importance to Didier Deschamps' side heading into the tournament. France are expected to provide further updates after additional medical evaluations, while fans await confirmation on whether the striker will be available for Les Bleus' World Cup opening game.

The news initially sparked fears because Mbappé had left a training session early a few days earlier, leading to speculation about a possible injury. However, France have not announced any serious fitness issue, and the striker remains expected to lead Les Bleus at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

France will head into the tournament as one of the favourites, with Mbappé captaining a star-studded squad that includes Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Rayan Cherki. Their World Cup campaign begins against Senegal on June 16.

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Here is a list of all players released by Chelsea and who will depart the club in June 2026, ahead of the new club football season.

Chelsea have confirmed that four players will leave the club when their contracts expire on June 30, ahead of the 2026/2027 season.

The players departing Stamford Bridge are:

• Brodi Hughes – Defender
• Richard Olise – Midfielder
• Sam Rak-Sakyi – Midfielder
• Jimi Tauriainen – Midfielder

Hughes ends a 13-year spell with the Blues after progressing through the academy and spending last season on loan at AFC Wimbledon. Olise departs after a decade at the club, having earned first-team recognition during Chelsea's UEFA Conference League campaign.

Rak-Sakyi, who made four senior appearances for Chelsea, also leaves after coming through the academy ranks, while Finnish youth international Tauriainen brings an end to his six-year stay at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have thanked all four players for their service and wished them success in the next stage of their careers.

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La Liga champions, Barca, have made their final decision on the future of Marcus Rashford at the club ahead of the 2026/2027 season.

Barcelona have decided not to activate the €30 million purchase option in Marcus Rashford's loan agreement, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming that the clause will expire in five days.

The decision means the England international is currently expected to return to Manchester United once his loan spell officially ends. However, Barcelona have not completely ruled out the possibility of keeping the forward.

According to Romano, the Catalan giants remain open to discussing a different arrangement with United, with a fresh loan deal among the options being considered. Any new agreement would require fresh negotiations between the two clubs.

Barcelona's decision is believed to be motivated by financial considerations rather than dissatisfaction with Rashford's performances. The club are prioritising other areas of the squad and are unwilling to commit €30 million immediately while several key transfer situations remain unresolved.

Rashford enjoyed a positive spell at the club and remains highly regarded internally. Reports suggest the 28-year-old would prefer to continue his career in Catalonia rather than make a permanent return to Old Trafford.

However, competition for places in attack has intensified. Anthony Gordon's arrival has added another option in the final third, while Raphinha and Lamine Yamal remain central to Hansi Flick's plans, making regular playing time far from guaranteed for Rashford.

Barcelona are also focused on their pursuit of Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, who remains the club's preferred target. Securing the Argentine's signature would require a substantial financial commitment, which could ultimately determine whether the Spanish champions can afford to pursue another deal for Rashford.

For now, the England international is concentrating on the World Cup and is expected to postpone any major decision regarding his future until after the tournament.

By then, Barcelona's €30 million purchase clause will have expired, meaning any move to bring Rashford back to Camp Nou would require fresh talks with Manchester United.

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Burna Boy and Shakira perform the official anthem “Dai Dai” during the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Mexico City.

Burna Boy has officially performed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony — and the moment was everything Nigerian music fans have been waiting for. The Lagos-born Afrobeats star took the stage at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June, alongside Colombian superstar Shakira, in front of over 80,000 fans inside the stadium and millions watching around the world.

Shakira opened the performance, taking to the pitch and executing the choreography of “Dai Dai” — the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem — with her dancers before Burna Boy joined her on stage. The two danced together as the crowd roared, closing the song with “Dale, allez, let’s go!” Following the performance, plumes of red and green smoke erupted from the top of the stadium in a nod to the colours of the Mexican flag.

Shakira performs the tournament anthem with her choreography team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening festivities in Mexico City. Photo Credit: FIFA/Instagram

For Shakira, the performance was a return to the World Cup stage 16 years after “Waka Waka” became the defining cultural moment of the 2010 South Africa tournament. For Burna Boy, it was one of the biggest stages any Nigerian artist has ever stood on — performing the official anthem of the most watched sporting event on the planet.

The ceremony also featured Tyla and Megan Thee Stallion, with Alejandro Fernández performing the Mexican national anthem and Tyla delivering the South African anthem. World Cup Ambassador Salma Hayek Pinault also welcomed fans from around the world before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa got underway.

Shakira participates in the official on-field choreography rehearsal ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

Global artist Shakira performs the official anthem “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy during the World Cup opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca. Photo Credit: Gianni Infantino/Instagram

 

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IShowSpeed wearing a red Portugal jersey with number 7, shouting excitedly in a stadium surrounded by diverse football fans holding flags from Nigeria, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.

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Tiwa Savage styles a cropped Arsenal FC kit with relaxed utility denim for the London football parade. Photo Credit: Tiwa Savage/Instagram

When Arsenal took to the streets to celebrate their triumphant title parade, all eyes were on London—but it was our very own Afrobeats queen, Tiwa Savage, who brought a distinct flair to the historic trophy celebration.

The multi-award-winning singer stepped out to celebrate the team’s massive achievement, making sure to represent home while supporting her favourite club.

She cleverly reimagined a classic red-and-white Arsenal football jersey, styling it as a tight crop that sat perfectly above a pair of ultra-baggy, wide-leg utility jeans. The relaxed, light-wash denim featured large front patch pockets, creating a relaxed, floor-grazing street silhouette.

Proving that her patriotism travels everywhere with her, she draped the green-and-white Nigerian flag across her shoulders, making a bold statement amidst the sea of red. For accessories, she kept things functional yet high-fashion, fastening an off-white leather belt pouch at her waist, wearing neutral headwear, and stacking bracelets on her wrists.

Tiwa Savage displays the green-and-white Nigerian flag during the club’s historic title celebrations. Photo Credit: Tiwa Savage/Instagram

The absolute talking point of the outfit was her choice of footwear. Poking out from beneath her sweeping denim cuffs was a pair of white Maison Margiela Tabi split-toe shoes, adding a major avant-garde element to a football-centered afternoon.

It is safe to say she found the ultimate sweet spot between sports culture and high-end street style.

Are you loving how she styled her jersey for the parade?

 

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The post Tiwa Savage Brought Nigerian Pride to Arsenal’s Trophy Parade in London appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Official promotional artwork for Future and Tyla’s FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem “Game Time,” produced by Cirkut.

The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album is getting bigger, and its latest addition brings together two artists from very different corners of the music world. Tyla and Future have released “Game Time,” a new single from the project that pairs the South African star’s vocals with the Atlanta rapper’s unmistakable flow.

One thing listeners may not see coming is Tyla’s rap verse. Best known for her melodic delivery, she switches things up on “Game Time,” stepping into a faster, more rhythmic pocket that adds a different layer to the song. The accompanying video mirrors the scale of the tournament, weaving together performance scenes and football-inspired visuals that build anticipation for the months ahead.

For Tyla, the song is more than just another collaboration. She described being part of the Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album as a full-circle moment, reflecting on South Africa’s hosting of the tournament in 2010. “I’m so excited to perform at the opening ceremonies. Let’s go Bafana Bafana,” she said. Future echoed the global significance of the event, describing the World Cup as a stage unlike any other and expressing his excitement about performing the track live in Los Angeles.

“Game Time” also joins a growing list of World Cup releases featuring African artists. Burna Boy recently teamed up with Shakira on “Dai Dai,” whose official video features Uganda’s renowned dance troupe, the Ghetto Kids. With Tyla, Burna Boy, Rema and others involved in this year’s musical rollout, African artists are helping shape the soundtrack to football’s biggest event.

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The post Tyla & Future Release New World Cup Anthem “Game Time” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

The official promotional artwork for the 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem “Dai Dai,” a historic cross-cultural track by Shakira and Afrobeats icon Burna Boy. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram 

If you have been counting down to the World Cup and listening to “Dai Dai” on repeat, the good news is that you can now head straight to Shakira’s YouTube channel to watch the official music video. The Colombian pop icon and Burna Boy have officially dropped the highly anticipated visuals for their mega-collaboration, and it is already pulling in massive numbers online. Directed by Hannah Lux Davis, the video splits its breathtaking scale between the sun-drenched streets of Miami and a stunning sequence with Shakira perched right on top of Mexico City’s iconic Angel of Independence.

While the track is a certified summer bop, the insane star power in this video has everyone talking. Serving as the official anthem for the tournament and the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, the visuals feature huge cameos from football royalty. Keep your eyes peeled because Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Rodri all make major appearances, adding some serious sports authority to the global track.

Shakira on set for the “Dai Dai” official music video, celebrating her historic return to the global football tournament stage. Photo Credit: Shakira/Instagram

Despite the multi-million dollar football roster, the absolute heart and soul of the video belongs to Uganda’s phenomenal Triplets Ghetto Kids. The dance troupe is featured heavily right from the opening frames, delivering their unmistakable pace alongside Shakira in a dramatic desert landscape set against a massive Baobab tree.

Their inclusion brings a raw African dance spirit to the screen, completely stealing the show and grounding the video’s theme of global unity. Burna Boy delivers his verses with effortless charisma, showing once again why he is a premier global performer.

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The post The Ghetto Kids Just Became the Best Part of Shakira & Burna Boy’s New Video for “Dai Dai” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.