Shakira at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup.
Shakira went viral for her performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While videos of her performances were circulating online, theories and debates began to swirl about whether or not she was actually Shakira.
Fan theories began running rampant, with many suggesting that the performer was not Shakira, but in fact a body double.Read on to find out more about the matter and whether or not there is any truth to these claims.
Shakira’s double body theory
As photos and videos of the veteran singer performing ‘Dai Dai’ with Burna Boy surfaced online, fans and netizens couldn’t stop admiring her performance. However, several people pointed out that the singer may not have actually performed the show and was instead replaced by a Chilean stunt double.Several people posted almost the same thing and pointed out the difference between Shakira and the alleged body double, with one social media user posting: “Those teeth are different. The stomach, the legs, the dancing, the posture, the way the head is positioned in relation to the shoulders, etc.”Another person wrote: “Why is she wearing sunglasses? Her face doesn’t look like hers and she doesn’t know why,” while a third user commented: “That’s not Shakira.
See how she misses the step when she sings Day Day…that’s a double. Shakira lied to everyone.” Another person posted screenshots of videos of her performance and added: “They replaced Shakira, I have no proof, but I don’t have any doubts either.”
Shakira’s body double theory decoded: Did the ‘Dai Dai’ singer really perform at the FIFA opening ceremony? Here’s what we know
Fans are decoding the theory and confirming that it is in fact Shakira
While many netizens pointed out that Shakira’s performance may not have been the same, many of her fans pointed out that the singer had absolutely no reason to do so. Many shared behind-the-scenes photos that the singer posted online and stated that he is the same person.One person commented on the matter and wrote in his post: “After carefully investigating the rumors that say that the character who appeared today is not Shakira, I will tell you what the experts from her fans say: They confirm that it is indeed her. They mention a scar on her forehead, which appears long because she wears sneakers with higher soles, and she appears thinner. As for her face, they consider that the swelling attributed to Botox would be an additional factor, and this would explain the use of glasses.”
“Another person reposted a video of her performance and wrote: “Real fans know it’s definitely Shakira! And whoever thinks it’s Chilean is completely delusional,” while another joked about it, writing: “Shakira used to fight the rumors of having her ribs pulled out, now we’re back!”There are no confirmations or other indications that she is not the singer, but rather a double performer. Not only that, but fans have decoded the theory several times, with many also mentioning that she recently underwent plastic surgery, however, it seems that the swelling caused by the treatment has not subsided, hence the reason for the glass during the performance.Shakira recently took the stage in Mexico to commemorate the start of the 2026 World Cup with the opening ceremony, where she performed the event’s official song, “Dai Dai,” alongside Burna Boy.
