The controversy of the moment: Was it Shakira or a “lookalike” at the opening of the World Cup? “Don't tell me I'm the only one who thought she was a Shakira lookalike”
Colombian superstar Shakira performed during the opening ceremony at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The 49-year-old was joined by Burna Boy as they released the official 2026 World Cup song 'Dai Dai'. The singer's performance was greeted with skepticism, with fans claiming that the singer was replaced by a “double”, notes News.ro.
Shakira wore a yellow blouse, white shorts and platform trainers, complete with dark sunglasses, as she entered the court.
Her signature blond hair was dyed a light strawberry red, and her eyes were hidden behind large, dark sunglasses.
Fans speculated on X that Shakira may have had a replacement at the opening ceremony. One user wrote: “Is that Shakira? Doesn't she look like Shakira? I can't see well?”, while others referred to the artist as a “double”, which translates to “double”.
Another replied: “That's not Shakira… who is it?!?!”, and one wrote in Spanish: “Don't tell me I'm the only one who thought she was a Shakira lookalike.”
Others chimed in with comments like: “HAHA, why did they bring a Shakira lookalike to the opening of the World Cup?” and “Am I the only one who thinks it's not Shakira?? They have a double there.”
Another skeptic wrote: “I seriously doubt it. Is it Shakira? Something tells me she's an impersonator.”
However, these theories were debunked after a thorough analysis posted by a user.
“After a thorough investigation into the rumors that the person who showed up today is not Shakira, I'll tell you what the expert fans say: they assure her that it is indeed her. She mentions a scar on her forehead, she looks tall because she wears higher-soled sneakers and therefore looks thinner. As for the face, they believe that a Botox swelling would be an additional factor and that would explain the glasses.”
After a thorough investigation on the rumors that the person who appeared today is not Shakira, I will tell them what the specialist fans say: they say it is her. Mentionan una cicatriz en la fronte, se ve alta, pues trae tenis con una suela más alta y que luce más… pic.twitter.com/TUMmIXfUA5
— CC Alma (si Soy) 11 (@MMXXII2000) June 11, 2026
Shakira has been a constant presence at the World Cup, performing at the global tour in 2006, 2010 and 2014. The pop superstar debuted the iconic official anthem “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” during the 2010 opening ceremony in South Africa.
This year, the official song is “Dai Dai”, which means “come, come” in Italian slang. About what drew her to the song, Shakira said the lyrics resonated with her, including phrases like “What once broke you made you strong.” She explained: “I always thought I was more fragile or weaker than what life made me out to be.”
“Behind every experience in life, there's always a lesson, and we have to be grateful for all those lessons, even the people who leave you with scars,” the real Shakira told PEOPLE, “because they just make us better.”
