Fresh from a history-making performance at the inaugural FIFA World Cup halftime show on Sunday, July 19, 2026, Colombian superstar Shakira continued to electrify audiences, bringing her unparalleled stadium energy to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Monday, July 20. The second leg of her record-breaking "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" World Tour in the United States saw the addition of "World Cup Edition" to the tour’s moniker on the massive screen behind the stage, a fitting tribute to her recent monumental performance. Shakira’s concert at the iconic Brooklyn venue was further elevated by the surprise appearances of South African sensation Tyla, global music icon Ed Sheeran, and Nigerian Afro-fusion artist Burna Boy, transforming the night into a star-studded celebration of music and sport.
The evening commenced with Shakira, accompanied by her dynamic troupe of dancers, launching into her set. Before her appearance, the "World Cup Edition" graphic illuminated the stage, signaling the transition from the global sporting arena to the intimate yet expansive atmosphere of the Barclays Center. Addressing the sold-out crowd, Shakira reflected on the previous day’s momentous event. "What a day yesterday at the finals!" she exclaimed, referencing Spain’s decisive 1-0 victory over Argentina to claim the coveted World Cup title. Her palpable enthusiasm carried over into her performance. "Well, today I’m pumped, so I’m gonna give you all I got," she declared, her voice resonating with passion. "Because there’s nothing like when a she-wolf is back with her pack. Awooo!" The crowd responded with an overwhelming roar, a testament to her enduring connection with her devoted fanbase.
Shakira’s setlist masterfully wove through her extensive catalog of hits, captivating the audience with beloved anthems such as "Estoy AquÃ," "La Bicicleta," and "La Tortura." These performances showcased her vocal prowess and signature dance moves, each song met with fervent applause and singalongs from the thousands in attendance. The energy in the arena was palpable, a testament to Shakira’s ability to command a stage and connect with her audience on a profound level.
The first surprise guest of the night was Tyla, the fast-rising South African singer-songwriter whose unique blend of Amapiano and pop has captivated the global music scene. The duo delivered a vibrant rendition of Shakira’s 2006 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit, "Hips Don’t Lie." Tyla, embracing the moniker "Queen of Popiano," proved a perfect foil for Shakira, effortlessly navigating the extended catwalk that stretched from the stage into the heart of the arena. Dressed in a striking turquoise fringed dress that beautifully contrasted with Shakira’s shimmering gold attire, Tyla matched Shakira’s every step, her choreography seamlessly integrated with the host and approximately 20 backup dancers. The performance was a dynamic fusion of two generations of global music stars, celebrating the infectious rhythm of "Hips Don’t Lie" with renewed vigor. Tyla’s presence underscored the growing influence of African music on the global stage, a trend further amplified by her own chart success.
Following this electrifying collaboration, Ed Sheeran, the globally acclaimed British singer-songwriter, made his anticipated appearance. Sheeran joined Shakira for a heartfelt duet of her 2002 ballad, "Underneath Your Clothes," a song that reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Armed with his guitar, Sheeran’s casual demeanor, clad in black pants, a white T-shirt, and sneakers, provided a stark contrast to the grandeur of the performance, yet his presence added an intimate sweetness to the ballad. The two artists traded verses, their distinct vocal styles harmonizing beautifully, creating a moment of shared musicality that resonated deeply with the audience. Sheeran’s inclusion highlighted Shakira’s ability to connect with artists across diverse genres, further solidifying her broad appeal.
The penultimate surprise of the evening arrived with the appearance of Burna Boy, the Grammy Award-winning Nigerian artist. The two powerhouse performers united to deliver a rousing performance of their collaboration, "Dai Dai," the official theme song of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This track has rapidly ascended to global dominance, topping both the Billboard Global 200 and the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts, a testament to its infectious rhythm and universal appeal. The performance of "Dai Dai" was undeniably the most jubilant and visually spectacular moment of the night. Burna Boy and Shakira, alongside their energetic backup dancers, exuded infectious joy, their movements and smiles radiating an irresistible blend of Latin pop, reggaeton, dance-pop, and Afrobeat. The synergy between the two artists was evident, creating an atmosphere of pure celebration that had the entire arena on its feet. Burna Boy’s presence on stage further cemented the global reach of the World Cup’s musical offerings and highlighted the increasing cross-pollination of genres in contemporary music.
The concert concluded on a high note, with Shakira paying homage to another iconic World Cup anthem: her own timeless 2010 hit, "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)." The performance of this beloved track served as a powerful reminder of Shakira’s long-standing association with the FIFA World Cup and her ability to create music that transcends borders and unites people through the universal language of sport and song. The roaring applause that followed indicated that the energy of the night was far from dissipating, leaving attendees with an unforgettable experience.
Context and Background of the FIFA World Cup Halftime Show
Shakira’s performance at the Barclays Center followed a significant milestone in her career and in the history of the FIFA World Cup. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across North America, marked the first time a dedicated, elaborate halftime show was introduced for the men’s tournament final. Historically, halftime entertainment at major sporting events has varied, often featuring local marching bands or shorter musical interludes. However, the decision to implement a full-scale, globally broadcasted halftime show for the 2026 final signaled a new era for the event, aiming to elevate its entertainment value to rival that of other major global spectacles like the Super Bowl.
The selection of Shakira to headline this inaugural event was a strategic choice. With a career spanning over three decades and a global fanbase that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, Shakira brought immense star power and a proven track record of delivering electrifying live performances. Her previous involvement with World Cup anthems, most notably "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" for the 2010 tournament in South Africa, had already cemented her legacy within the World Cup’s musical history. The 2026 halftime show was designed to be a global celebration of music, culture, and athletic achievement, featuring a diverse lineup of artists that reflected the international nature of the tournament. Reports indicated that the halftime show’s production involved thousands of personnel, state-of-the-art visual technology, and a meticulously choreographed performance designed to be viewed by an estimated global audience of over one billion viewers. The successful execution of this ambitious halftime show undoubtedly contributed to the heightened buzz surrounding Shakira’s subsequent concert dates.
"Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" World Tour: A Record-Breaking Endeavor
Shakira’s "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" World Tour, which commenced in late 2025, has already achieved significant commercial success. The tour, named after her eleventh studio album released in March 2024, marks her highly anticipated return to the global stage after a hiatus. The album itself was a critical and commercial success, with singles like "TQG" (with Karol G) and "Acá Entre Nos" garnering widespread acclaim. The tour’s North American leg has been particularly noteworthy, with multiple dates selling out rapidly and setting new attendance records in various venues. The "World Cup Edition" designation for the Brooklyn shows further amplified the tour’s momentum, capitalizing on the global attention generated by her halftime performance. The tour’s success underscores Shakira’s enduring appeal and her ability to connect with new generations of fans while retaining her loyal following. The integration of her World Cup achievements into the tour narrative has provided a unique and timely promotional angle, drawing in both existing fans and those newly engaged by her recent high-profile appearances.
Analysis and Broader Impact
The synergy between Shakira’s World Cup halftime performance and her subsequent concert at the Barclays Center highlights a growing trend in the entertainment industry: the cross-pollination of major sporting events and concert tours. By strategically leveraging her involvement in the FIFA World Cup, Shakira was able to amplify her tour’s reach and impact, drawing in a broader audience that may have been introduced to her music or reminded of her prowess through the global sporting spectacle. The inclusion of Tyla, Ed Sheeran, and Burna Boy not only delighted concertgoers but also underscored the interconnectedness of the global music landscape, showcasing collaborations that span genres and continents.
The success of the "World Cup Edition" of her tour also points to the potential for future collaborations between major sporting bodies and global music artists. The FIFA World Cup, with its immense viewership and cultural significance, provides an unparalleled platform for artists to showcase their talent and connect with a massive, diverse audience. The strategic integration of musical performances into the fabric of major sporting events can create symbiotic relationships, benefiting both the athletes and the artists, while providing fans with a richer, more immersive entertainment experience. The record-breaking attendance and chart success of "Dai Dai" further exemplify this phenomenon, demonstrating the power of a World Cup anthem to achieve global music dominance. Shakira’s continued ability to command stages and captivate audiences, from the global stage of the World Cup final to the intimate energy of the Barclays Center, solidifies her status as one of the most influential and enduring artists of her generation. The performances by her surprise guests also served as powerful endorsements, potentially boosting their own profiles and reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the modern music industry. The ripple effect of these high-profile collaborations is likely to be felt across the music charts and streaming platforms in the weeks and months to come, further cementing the influence of global events on popular culture.
