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

The Super Bowl halftime show is arguably the biggest stage in music – a global spectacle watched by hundreds of millions of people who tune in not just for the game, but to see which megastar will own the 15-minute spotlight.

In recent years, the NFL has stacked its lineup with household names. Rihanna stunned with her gravity-defying performance in 2023. Usher reminded fans why he’s still the king of R&B in 2024. And just last year, Kendrick Lamar brought an electrifying mix of artistry and politics to the field. Each show feels bigger than the last, so naturally, speculation has been sky-high about who would take the stage next.

On Sunday night, during the Packers-Cowboys game, the NFL finally gave fans their answer. And this time, they’ve gone global.

The 2026 halftime show will be headlined by none other than Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar who has smashed streaming records, dominated festivals, and built one of the most loyal fanbases in the world.

Bunny, real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is no stranger to history-making moments. He’s been the most-streamed artist on Spotify for four consecutive years, is a three-time Grammy winner, and has successfully brought reggaeton and Latin trap from the barrios of Puerto Rico to the main stages of Coachella, WWE arenas, and beyond.

“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” Bunny said in a statement released alongside the big announcement. “It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history.”

He also revealed the news to fans on his own social media channels, posting a clip soundtracked by his hit “Callaita,” which quickly set Twitter and TikTok alight with hype.

While this will be his first time headlining, Bunny has already stepped onto the Super Bowl stage once before. Fans may remember his surprise appearance in 2020, when he joined Shakira and Jennifer Lopez during their Miami halftime extravaganza. That cameo introduced him to millions of new viewers – but this time, the show is all his.

The 31-year-old has been riding high off the back of his historic residency at San Juan’s El Choli arena, where he performed 31 nights to sold-out crowds. His final performance, titled Una Más, even became the most-watched Amazon Music livestream ever.

What makes this announcement even more significant is that Bunny’s catalog is largely in Spanish, making him one of the few non-English-speaking artists to headline the halftime show. It’s a bold move that reflects just how much global music has shifted into the mainstream.

Earlier this year, Bunny told i-D that he deliberately left the United States off his upcoming 2025–26 tour schedule, citing concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and ongoing questions about Puerto Rico’s lack of statehood. Still, he made it clear that his relationship with U.S. fans remains strong – and this halftime show will only strengthen that bond.

Super Bowl 2026 takes place at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, and if past shows are anything to go by, expect dazzling choreography, special guests, and enough viral moments to keep social media buzzing for weeks.

For now, one thing’s certain: the world’s biggest stage is about to get a heavy dose of reggaeton.

Featured image credit: Patrick Smith / Getty Images.

It’s not just football fans who are gearing up for Super Bowl 2026 – music lovers are already preparing their study notes.

After this year’s halftime performer was announced during Sunday Night Football, social media lit up with people joking they’ll need to download Duolingo and brush up on their Spanish before the big game.

The comments have been flooding X, TikTok, and Instagram since the reveal, with one fan writing: “Not me starting Spanish on Duolingo in the summer. Ready for ya Bad Bunny.”

And it’s easy to see why fans are feeling the pressure, the artist in question is none other than Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar whose lyrics are primarily in Spanish.

Reggaeton comes to Super Bowl 2026

The Grammy-winning reggaeton and trap icon, real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been confirmed as the headliner for the halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco.

He follows last year’s performer Kendrick Lamar, becoming the latest global megastar to take on what’s arguably the most-watched music slot in the world.

For Bunny, who’s been the most-streamed artist on Spotify for four years running, the moment is about more than just a performance.

“What I’m feeling goes beyond myself,” he said in a statement. “It’s for those who came before me and ran countless yards so I could come in and score a touchdown… this is for my people, my culture, and our history.”

The 31-year-old has actually graced the Super Bowl stage before, joining Shakira and Jennifer Lopez as a guest performer during their blockbuster 2020 halftime show in Miami.

But this will be his first time headlining solo and fans are expecting him to bring his full blend of reggaeton, trap, and Latin pop to the show.

Bunny just wrapped up his historic 31-night residency at San Juan’s El Choli arena, with his closing show Una Más breaking records as the most-watched Amazon Music livestream ever.

His connection to Puerto Rico (and the fact that most of his lyrics remain proudly Spanish-first) is part of what makes this halftime slot feel so significant.

Duolingo jokes have a deeper meaning

Of course, the Duolingo memes aren’t just jokes.

They highlight how global his audience has become, and how fans who don’t speak Spanish still want to immerse themselves in the experience.

One TikTok user summed it up perfectly: “Don’t care if I don’t understand a word, I’ll still be screaming it at the top of my lungs.”

The show also arrives at an interesting moment in Bunny’s career.

Earlier this year, he told i-D he skipped U.S. dates on his upcoming 2025–26 tour partly due to political concerns around Puerto Rico’s status and ICE enforcement.

Still, he stressed that his decision wasn’t about turning his back on American fans, but rather about making Puerto Rico the central stage.

Whether or not everyone manages to master Spanish in time, one thing’s for sure: next year’s halftime show is set to be one of the most unforgettable in recent memory.

Featured image credit: Patrick Smith / Getty Images.

Following the electrifying Super Bowl halftime performance in Las Vegas on Sunday, headlined by Usher, fans were left wondering why Justin Bieber, a former record label mate, didn't grace the stage alongside the R&B icon.

Despite Bieber's non-participation, Usher delivered a show-stopping performance, featuring an array of special guests including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Jermaine Dupri, and Lil Jon. Reflecting on the halftime spectacle, Usher highlighted the immense pressure associated with such high-profile events like the Super Bowl.

"It’s a lot of pressure for the Super Bowl, obviously, for me to put together a show. So I reached out to everybody. Justin wasn't the only person that I actually spoke to about doing the Super Bowl. But the moment was maybe for later," Usher explained to The Breakfast Club.

While speculations circulated, Usher himself addressed Bieber's absence, shedding light on the situation during his interview on The Breakfast Club.

Acknowledging the curiosity surrounding Bieber's non-appearance, Usher shared insights into their conversation regarding the Super Bowl performance.

"You know, I honored and recognized that my brother, Justin Bieber, you know, I think that it might’ve been the fact that he’s just wanting to tell a different story right now, and I understand that," Usher candidly explained.

While Bieber's absence raised eyebrows, Usher emphasized that there was no rift between them, stating, "But we did have a brief conversation. And we’re going to do something else in the future. But no love lost or anything like that."

Addressing Bieber's potential future involvement in Super Bowl festivities, Usher reassured fans, stating, "He’s going to play the Super Bowl… in the future." Expressing his unwavering support for Bieber, Usher conveyed his belief in Bieber's deserving career trajectory.

While Bieber's absence may have raised questions, his supportive message on social media demonstrated solidarity with Usher. Despite not gracing the stage, Bieber's presence at the game showcased his unwavering support for his colleague and friend.

As for other potential collaborators approached for the halftime show, Usher remained tight-lipped, teasing future surprises without divulging further details. With Usher's assurance of Bieber's future involvement, fans eagerly await what promises to be a remarkable performance on a grand stage.

Featured image credit: Marcus Ingram / Getty

Usher has been confirmed as the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show performer after appearing in a brilliant skit with Kim Kardashian.

The 44-year-old singer is set to headline the show, presented by Apple Music, on February 11, 2024, taking place at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, marking the first time the final will take place in that city.

In the promo clip, Usher can be seen on the other end of a phone call to Kim - fresh off her American Horror Story: Delicate acting success - as she informs him he will be the performer getting the coveted honor of headlining one of the biggest sporting events of the year.

In the clip, Kim can be seen telling Usher the news - who appears in disbelief and makes her promise its real - before Kim asks for tickets for her, all her family, and all of the kids before Usher rings off.

Speaking about the honor of taking on the Halftime Show, Usher said in a statement: "It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list.

"I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before. Thank you to the fans and everyone who made this opportunity happen. I’ll see you real soon.”

The musician has had 18 top 10 hits in the Billboard Hot 100 across his stellar career, with number ones including 'Yeah!' featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris, 'My Boo' with Alicia Keysm and 'U Got It Bad'.

Seth Dudowky, head of music for the NFL added in a statement: "Usher is an icon whose music has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape throughout his career, we couldn’t be more excited to have him headline this year’s Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show.

"We look forward to working with Usher, Roc Nation, and Apple Music to bring fans another Halftime Show for the history books."

The upcoming show will be the fifth year the NFL and Roc Nation have teamed up to produce the Halftime Show after striking a deal in 2019.

The partnership led to Shakira and Jennifer Lopez taking the stage in 2020, The Weeknd headlining 2021, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar bringing a hip-hop showcase to 2022, and Rihanna rocking 2023's show - and announcing her second pregnancy on stage. 

Jay-Z said in a statement after the news was announced: "Usher is the ultimate artist and showman. Ever since his debut at the age of 15, he’s been charting his own unique course. Beyond his flawless singing and exceptional choreography, Usher bares his soul.

"His remarkable journey has propelled him to one of the grandest stages in the world. I can’t wait to see the magic."

Oliver Schusser, Apple' VP of Apple Music, Apple TV+, sports and Beats, echoed the sentiment, adding: "The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show is one of the most highly anticipated music events of the year and we’re excited to bring this legendary show to fans all over the world in Spatial Audio, along with tons of exclusive videos, interviews, playlists and so much more across Apple Music.

"We are so proud of what we were able to accomplish together with the NFL and Roc Nation last year and now with the insanely talented Usher set to take the stage we’re looking forward to another incredible Halftime Show from one of the world’s all-time greatest performers."

Featured image credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio