Shakira has gone viral for her performance at the FIFA 2026 World Cup opening ceremony. Videos of her show circulated online, sparking theories and debates about whether it was actually Shakira or a body double. Fan theories ran rampant, with many pointing out that the performer might not be Shakira but a look-alike. Read on to learn more about the matter and whether there is any truth to the claims.
Shakira's Body Double Theory
As photos and videos of the veteran singer performing 'Dai Dai' alongside Burna Boy surfaced online, fans and netizens could not stop raving about her performance. However, many people pointed out that the singer may not have actually performed the show and was instead replaced by a Chilean stunt double. Numerous social media users posted about the differences between Shakira and the alleged body double. One user wrote, 'Those teeth are different. The abdomen, the legs, the dancing, the attitude, the way of positioning the head with respect to the shoulders, etc.' Another person commented, 'Why is she wearing sunglasses? Her face does not look like her idk why,' while a third netizen added, 'That's not Shakira. Watch how she messes up the step when she sings Dai Dai... That's a double. Shakira lied to everyone.' Another user posted screenshots from videos of her performance and stated, 'They replaced Shakira, I don't have proof, but I also don't have doubts.'
Shakira's Body Double Theory Decoded: Did the 'Dai Dai' Singer Really Perform at FIFA Opening Ceremony? Here's What We Know
Fans decode the theory and reassure that it was, in fact, Shakira. While many netizens pointed out that it may not be Shakira performing, many of her fans countered that the singer had absolutely no reason to use a double. They shared behind-the-scenes photos that the singer had posted online and stated that it was the same person. One person commented, 'After a thorough investigation into the rumours that the person who appeared today is not Shakira, I'll tell you what the expert fans say: they assure that it is indeed her. They mention a scar on her forehead, she looks tall because she's wearing sneakers with a higher sole, and she appears thinner. As for her face, they consider that the swelling attributed to Botox would be an additional factor, and that would explain the use of the glasses.' Another person reposted the video of her performance and wrote, 'True fans know it was Shakira, for sure! And whoever thinks it was the Chilean is totally delusional.' Another shared a joke about the matter, saying, 'Shakira used to battle rumors of taking out her ribs now it's a body double. We are so back!'
There are no other confirmations or indications that it was not the singer but a body double performing in her place as of now. Fans have decoded the theory multiple times, with many also mentioning that she simply had a beauty procedure done recently, but the swelling from the treatment has not subsided, hence the reason for the glasses during the performance. Shakira recently took the stage in Mexico to commemorate the beginning of the FIFA 2026 World Cup with the opening ceremony, where she performed the official song of the event, 'Dai Dai', alongside Burna Boy.
