The opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Estadio Azteca featured a headline performance from Shakira. The Colombian superstar performed her new song Dai, Dai in front of more than 80,000 fans and millions of viewers watching around the world.
Another celebrity lookalike controversy? After rumors involving John Travolta at the Cannes Film Festival, Jim Carrey in Paris, and even Joe Biden on several occasions in recent years, it was now Shakira’s turn to become the subject of online speculation.
Known for her World Cup anthems such as Hips Don’t Lie, Waka Waka, and La La La, Shakira seemed like the obvious choice to help launch the tournament. However, her performance quickly sparked an unexpected debate across social media.
Fake or Not Fake ?
Many viewers claimed that the woman performing at the ceremony was not actually Shakira but a convincing stand-in. The large black sunglasses she wore throughout the show fueled the rumors, while some fans argued that her appearance and dance moves did not resemble the Colombian singer they knew.
Será la Shakira fake??? https://t.co/8G2dgFzuuj
— sisiyatevi (@sisiyatevi) June 12, 2026
The theory gained momentum as social media users compared images of Shakira from previous World Cups, sometimes overlooking the fact that nearly two decades separated those photos. Others suggested heavy makeup or cosmetic surgery to explain the perceived differences.
Después de una minuciosa investigación sobre los rumores de que la persona que apareció hoy no es Shakira, les diré lo que los fans especialistas: aseguran que sí es ella. Mencionan una cicatriz en la frente, 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
However, the rumors were quickly debunked. Behind-the-scenes videos, selfies with journalists, photos alongside other artists in Mexico City, and Shakira’s own Instagram posts all confirmed that she was indeed present at the event. The singer also shared content with Burna Boy and J Balvin, effectively putting an end to speculation about the existence of a supposed “fake Shakira.”
