The debate surrounding Shakira's alleged "body double" has been settled after fans noticed one detail during the 2026 World Cup.

The highly anticipated soccer tournament got underway on Thursday (June 11), with host nation Mexico kicking off the tournament in style with a 2-0 victory over South Africa.

However, one of the biggest talking points from yesterday had nothing to do with football. Instead, social media has been flooded with claims that Shakira was replaced by a body double during the opening ceremony in Mexico.

Shakira performs during the Opening Ceremony before the first FIFA World Cup 2026. Credit: Ryan Pierse - FIFA / Getty

Why Fans Think It Wasn't Really Shakira

The 49-year-old hitmaker took to the stage at Estadio Azteca alongside Burna Boy to debut 'Dai Dai', the official song of the 2026 tournament.

She appeared in a yellow top, white shorts, and platform sneakers, completing the look with oversized dark sunglasses. Her trademark blonde hair also appeared to have been dyed a light strawberry-red shade.

Hours after the ceremony, viewers began claiming the woman performing the anthem wasn't actually the singer herself.

One user wrote: "Is that Shakira? She doesn’t look like Shakira? Am I tripping ?" Several others referred to the singer as a "doble," the Spanish word for "double."

Another fan posted: "Esa no es Shakira … who dat?!?!" A third added: "That's not Shakira, the face isn't hers, and she doesn't even have half of Shakira's leg. That's why the glasses to disguise it."

The Detail That Appears To Settle The Debate

While Shakira's team has yet to comment on the rumors, there is one detail that strongly suggests she really was on the pitch.

The mom-of-two has a small scar on her forehead that has been visible in photographs for years.

The mark can be seen in older images of the 'Hips Don't Lie' singer and, according to photos from the opening ceremony, it was visible there too.

Fans were quick to point it out as the rumors gained traction online.

"Shakira has a small round scar above her brow, and the one who today is doubted to be Shakira, of course, has it too. Look at photos from other times and she has always had that scar," one fan said.

"Shakira has a small vertical cleft between her eyebrows that can be seen in some photos, yes, it's something that many fans have known about for years. Depending on the lighting, the makeup, and the facial expressions, it can appear more or less pronounced," a second added.

A third chimed in: "Whoever saying it wasn’t Shakira, i get it we’re so used to the current AI world but it was her. I mean, the scar was on her forehead duh."

For many fans, that distinctive mark was all the proof they needed that the woman on the pitch was indeed Shakira.

Online users think Shakira's stunt double performed at the opening ceremony. Credit: Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA / Getty

World Cup Opens With Huge Musical Spectacle

Mexico is co-hosting alongside the United States and Canada, with all three nations staging their own opening ceremonies.

Fans inside the stadium were also treated to performances from Danny Ocean, Colombia's J Balvin, and Mexican singer-songwriter Fher Olvera of Maná, who sang the classic 'Oye Mi Amor'.

"Bienvenida a México. Welcome to Mexico," a performer announced to begin the celebrations. "We are a nation of diversity, heritage, and pride. Football carries the same heartbeat, uniting generations," per BBC News.

Opera icon Andrea Bocelli and K-Pop Demon Hunters singer Ejae also performed the tournament's official anthem 'DNA', which was released earlier this week.

Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández led the crowd in singing the national anthem, while Grammy-winning South African star Tyla performed her country's anthem.

Featured image credit: Ryan Pierse - FIFA/FIFA / Getty

Shakira helped launch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City on Thursday, but instead of focusing on her performance, some viewers became convinced they were watching someone else entirely.

The Colombian superstar took to the stage during the opening ceremony at Estadio Azteca alongside Burna Boy to debut 'Dai Dai', the official song of the 2026 tournament. The performance came before host nation Mexico faced South Africa in the competition's opening match. However, social media quickly filled with speculation from fans who claimed the singer looked noticeably different, sparking a wave of "body double" theories online.

Shakira performs during the Opening Ceremony before the first FIFA World Cup 2026. Credit: Ryan Pierse - FIFA / Getty

Fans convinced World Cup performer wasn't Shakira

Shakira appeared in a yellow top, white shorts and platform sneakers, completing the look with oversized dark sunglasses. Her trademark blonde hair also appeared to have been dyed a light strawberry-red shade.

The combination left some viewers questioning whether the performer on the field was actually the global music star.

One user wrote: "Is that Shakira? She doesn’t look like Shakira? Am I tripping ?"

Several others referred to the singer as a "doble," the Spanish word for "double."

Another fan posted: "Esa no es Shakira … who dat?!?!"

A third added: "Don't tell me I'm the only one who thought that was Shakira's body double."

The theories continued to spread as more viewers weighed in online. One person wrote: "HAHA why at the World Cup opening did they bring in a Shakira lookalike?"

Another commented: "Am I the only one who thinks that's not @shakira?? They got a double in thereee."

One skeptical viewer even asked: "Real doubt. What if it's Shakira? Something tells me it's an impersonator."

Shakira reflects on personal struggles

The reaction came shortly after Shakira spoke candidly about her past relationship with former soccer star Gerard Piqué.

The singer said she felt a strong connection to the lyrics of 'Dai Dai', particularly the message of overcoming difficult experiences.

Speaking about the song, she told PEOPLE: "I always thought that I was more fragile or weaker than what life proved me to be."

She added: "Behind every experience in life, there’s always a lesson, and we have to be grateful for all those lessons, even for the people that leave you with scars, because they just make us better."

A familiar face at the World Cup

While some fans questioned her appearance, Shakira is no stranger to the FIFA World Cup stage.

The singer previously performed at the tournament in 2006, 2010 and 2014. She is perhaps best known for debuting 'Waka Waka' (This Time for Africa), the official anthem of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

This year's official song, 'Dai Dai', takes its name from an Italian slang phrase meaning "come on, come on," and marked Shakira's latest appearance at one of football's biggest events.

Featured image credit: Ryan Pierse - FIFA / Getty

Katy Perry turned heads and sparked a social media frenzy with her dazzling appearance at Vogue World: Paris over the weekend.

The 39-year-old singer - who also is gearing up for the release of her new single - made a surprise runway debut at Place Vendôme, leaving little to the imagination in a striking Noir Kei Ninomiya gown.

The former American Idol judge captivated the audience in a daring cut-out ensemble adorned with intricate geometric patterns in peach and black tones.

The gown, featuring zippered edges and billowing embellishments, accentuated Perry's enviable physique, paired flawlessly with laced-up black leather boots that added to her commanding presence on the catwalk.

Perry's runway look was meticulously styled by hairdresser Dimitris Giannetos, who opted for slicked-back brunette hair, while makeup artist Michael Anthony highlighted her eyes with a smokey blend of pink and gold shades, per News.com.au.

Backstage, Perry sought guidance on her runway walk from singer FKA twigs and model-turned-actress Cara Delevingne. "Just make sure it looks like you're going somewhere, but not in a pop star way," advised FKA to a visibly nervous Perry, who jokingly responded, "I've only ever been a pop star."

Reflecting on her runway debut in a candid TikTok video post-show, Perry shared her thoughts with followers. "Anna [Wintour] said model, and I said…" she teased, hinting at her humorous approach to the high-fashion event.

And, after seeing her daring look, social media showered the 'Roar' singer with praise.

Fans clamored in her TikTok comments section, with one person writing: "ITS KATYS WORLD AND WE’RE LUCKY TO BE LIVING IN IT" - a reference to Perry's upcoming single.

"Welcome back Katy Perry," another gushed, as a third typed: "MOTHER IS MOTHERING".

Away from the runway, Perry has been making waves with her upcoming single announcement.

Titled 'Woman's World', the track is set to hit the airwaves in July, as Perry teased fans with a brief snippet on social media.

In the snippet, accompanied by a revealing white bikini shot, Perry delivers empowering lyrics over an electro beat: "It's a woman's world and you're lucky to be living in it."

However, Perry's teaser may have faced early leaks, with longer clips of the song surfacing online ahead of schedule, prompting discussions about their authenticity in the digital age of 2024.

Perry's return to the spotlight follows her emotional farewell from American Idol, where she bid farewell after a seven-year stint as a judge, marking a new chapter as she prepares to reclaim her place in the music scene with 'Woman's World'.

Katy Perry is back, y'all!

Featured image credit: Marc Piasecki / Getty

Fans have been left in hysterics after a video of Katy Perry struggling to find her seat at King Charles' coronation has gone viral.

Now, we've already seen some pretty special moments during this historic occasion.

From beautiful performances by The Ascension Choir all the way to the King's anointment and his formal crowning alongside his wife, Queen Camilla, the first segment of the big day has proved to be a hit for royal fans who have tuned in to watch.

However, over on social media, there's another moment that people are now talking about thanks to the sheer awkwardness of it all.

And yes, it involves Katy Perry.

The 'Last Friday Night' singer was caught flailing about as she tried to find her seat at the event.

What seemed to be causing her the hindrance you may be asking? Her unfortunate choice of headwear.

In making a statement with her lilac outfit, the 38-year-old forgot about the practicalities of having a hat with angled tulle details, but at least she looked good as she looked around for her designated chair.

Twitter users found the moment utterly hilarious.

"Katy Perry not finding her seat is so me," one user commented.

Another asked: "Katy Perry can’t find her seat, did we actually invite her?"

A third compared her hat to a funny clip from The Ellen Show saying: "Basically Katy Perry and her huge hat at the #Coronation searching for her seat."

An accurate representation, I must admit.

But her search did not end in vain.

Thankfully, it was confirmed that the American Idol judge did actually find her seat and got ready for the event to begin.

The news comes as Perry, as well as a whole host of other performers, are scheduled to perform tomorrow at the star-studded Coronation Concert.

The 'Roar' hitmaker is one of two Americans set to give a performance at the event due to King Charles wishes. Other major artists include the likes of Lionel Richie, the British pop group Take That, opera stars Andrea Bocelli and Bryn Terfel, Freya Ridings and Alexis Ffrench.

Forbes reported that King Charles and Perry first met during an event in Mumbai in 2019, before the monarch went on to appoint Perry as an ambassador for the British Asian Trust a year later.

Speaking of her friendship with the 74-year-old during her introduction to the charity prior to her performance, she described him as a "very kind soul," also adding he had jokingly asked her if she "could sing to his plants" to which she replied: "And I will, in the future, you have my word, Sir."

The Coronation Concert will be taking place on May 7.

Featured Image Credit: Sipa US / Alamy

Disturbing footage of Katy Perry giving a 14-year-old fan their first kiss has resurfaced amid the ongoing sexual assault allegations made by actress Ruby Rose.

The unsettling clip, which was shared on X, shows the 'Fireworks' singer interacting with a young fan during one of her concerts.

The boy, identified as Robert, appears visibly uncomfortable as he awkwardly backs away, but Perry persists, telling him: "Honey, you might be too young to understand this, but when a woman kisses you, you gotta kiss her back."

Despite his reluctance, he walks up to her and kisses her on the cheek.

Watch the moment below:

That's not the only shocking video to surface, as another clip of the 'Teenage Dream' songstress, then 27, groping Justin Bieber’s butt has also been shared online

In the footage, Perry is seen backstage with the 'Baby' singer, who was 18 at the time.

She puts her hand on his backside and smiles at the camera while mouthing, "Sorry Selena," referencing Bieber's on-off girlfriend at the time, Selena Gomez.

While the moment appears to be playful, it has sparked concern in light of the resurfacing allegations from Rose.

Katy Perry is once again at the center of a controversy. Credit: Cindy Ord/VF25/Getty

Ruby Rose's Allegations

The 40-year-old actress has accused Perry of sexually assaulting her in 2010 at a nightclub in Melbourne.

Rose opened up about her alleged assault in a graphic social media post, writing: "[Perry] saw me ‘resting’ on my best friend's lap to avoid her and bent down, pulled her underwear to the side, and rubbed her disgusting vagina on my face till my eyes snapped open, and I projectile vomited on her."

The Orange Is the New Black star stated that she had photographic proof and witnesses to the incident.

She added that she initially downplayed the incident publicly because she 'didn’t know how else to handle it' and was concerned about jeopardising her chances of obtaining a US visa with Perry’s help.

"I’m now 40. It has taken almost 2 decades to say this publicly.

"Though I am so grateful to have made it long enough to find my voice, it just shows how much of an impact trauma and sexual assault takes. Thank you for seeing me," she added.

Ruby Rose has accused Katy Perry of sexual assault. Credit: Naomi Rahim/Getty

Australian police confirmed they have launched a formal investigation into the claims, while Perry's representatives have strongly denied the claims.

"The allegations being circulated on social media by Ruby Rose about Katy Perry are not only categorically false, they are dangerous, reckless lies," they said.

"Ms Rose has a well-documented history of making serious public allegations on social media against various individuals, claims that have repeatedly been denied by those named," they added.

Featured image credit: Cindy Ord/VF25/Getty