Fans watching the 2026 World Cup may have noticed a familiar tune playing as teams walk onto the field before the national anthems. That first song became one of the tournament’s signature sounds, helping build anticipation in stadiums across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
While many younger fans may recognized the melody without knowing its origin, the track has a long history in sports and is closely associated with one of the greatest dynasties in basketball history.
Its inclusion in the World Cup added a nostalgic touch to the tournament, particularly given the competition’s return to the United States for the first time since 1994. Then, surprisingly, FIFA made a change.
What song is played before matches at the 2026 World Cup?
Beginning with Matchday 2 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA replaced the pre-match song that had been used during the opening round of fixtures. Instead of entering the field to “Sirius” by The Alan Parsons Project, players now walk out to “Dai Dai” by Shakira and Burna Boy.
The change aligns the pre-match presentation with the tournament’s official song. FIFA opted to feature “Dai Dai” more prominently as the competition entered its second round of matches, giving the World Cup a unified musical identity across all host cities.
As a result, fans attending matches or watching broadcasts around the world will now hear Shakira and Burna Boy’s collaboration immediately before kickoff, making it one of the defining sounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
World Cup 2026 previous first song in matches: Why is ‘Sirius’ song so famous in sports?
Sirius achieved legendary status during the 1990s as the introduction music for the Chicago Bulls. As the lights dimmed inside the arena, the song accompanied player introductions for a team featuring Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman.
The Bulls went on to win six NBA championships during that era, helping turn the song into a symbol of sporting greatness. Over time, the track became synonymous with major events, championship moments, and unforgettable introductions.
More than four decades later, it remains one of the most iconic sports entrance songs ever recorded. At the 2026 World Cup, the song was played as players enter the field before the national anthems, creating a memorable atmosphere before kickoff. Now, it’s Shakira’s turn.
