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

BBC viewers have praised the broadcaster for its opening monologue during the start of the 2022 men's FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Today is an exciting day for soccer fans across the world, as the historic FIFA world cup begins. The 22nd men's FIFA World Cup will see 32 teams compete for the illustrious FIFA World Cup Trophy.

The tournament also marks the first time the tournament has been held in an Arab nation - and although that will always go down in history, the decision to have Qatar host the World Cup has not been without controversy.

Per BBC News, the nation has come under fire ever since it was announced that Qatar would be hosting the tournament back in 2010. The BBC states that the country has been criticized for multiple human rights concerns - including for its treatment of women, LGBTQ+ people, and migrant workers.

Per CNN, homosexuality in Qatar is illegal and punishable by up to three years in prison.

Additionally, The Guardian reported last year that 6,500 migrant workers had died in Qatar since the nation won the bid to host the soccer tournament.

As a result, the BBC felt it was only fitting to comment on the controversy in the opening monologue of its World Cup coverage.

As legendary host, pundit, and former England star Gary Lineker appeared on screen, he informed the viewers:

"Ever since FIFA chose Qatar back in 2010, the smallest country to have hosted football’s greatest competition has faced some big questions.

"From accusations of corruption in the bidding process to the treatment of migrant workers who built the stadiums where many lost their lives. Homosexuality is illegal here. Women’s rights and freedom of expression are in the spotlight.

"Also, the decision six years ago to switch the World Cup from summer to winter.

"Against that backdrop, there's a tournament to be played - one that will be watched and enjoyed around the world.

"'Stick to football', say FIFA.

"Well, we will... For a couple of minutes at least."

The monologue was subsequently praised by viewers on Twitter, with one person writing: "BBC have absolutely nailed that intro to the World Cup. They are laying out all the facts about Qatar and not shying away from it."

A second added: "This is how BBC opened coverage of World Cup 2022. Stark contrast to Fox Coverage in United States. Please take a minute to watch. This is how this World Cup should be contextualized."

Another wrote: "Strong opening statement from the BBC and Gary Lineker. Glad they're not shying away from the issues."

And a fourth added: "Good intro from @GaryLineker exactly what’s required. Never forget how we got here. We all love football. We all love the World Cup. But we cannot forget #FIFAWorldCup".

Featured image credit: Hasan Zaidi / Alamy

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

Every time the World Cup rolls around and I get caught up in all the goals, drama and festivities, I wonder how I ever managed to survive four years without it. As the world's most popular sport, the past three weeks or so have seen the world gripped with World Cup fever, and whether you're a disappointed German or ecstatic Russian, this has been a tournament for the ages.

I think that people will remember this World Cup for a very long time, and not just because of what happened on the pitch. The internet being the gift that keeps on giving, the World Cup has been the context for the best meme to emerge from this tournament ('Football's Coming Home' being a close second), involving ostensibly one of its best players.

With five titles to their name and a significant chance of bringing home the Jules Rimet trophy for a record sixth time, Brazil are undoubtedly the quintessential World Cup team, and in Neymar, they've got a genuinely world-class player to pin their hopes on. The striker has started slowly this time around, but if Brazil make it all the way, he'll have played a big part.

Unfortunately, his star status has seen opposition players give him some rough treatment in an attempt to knock him off his game. It's a tough part of the game, but Neymar has been mercilessly mocked for his... let's say, theatrical responses to the unwanted attention.

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That's Neymar in the World Cup Quarter Final against Mexico, responding to an errant boot by his opponent as if he'd been shot. It's one way to accentuate any illegal contact from opposition players... but it's also a great way to get mocked by billions all over the world.

Case in point, these rather delightful memes:

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Which eventually led to this absolutely hilarious video, which can be enjoyed over and over again without it ever getting old:

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Now, it's not uncommon for fast food brands to try and get in on global trends, adding their own rather interesting twists. In fact, Burger King have already had to pull an ill-advised post encouraging Russian women to procreate with global football stars, in order to breed a generation of soccer superstars (presumably with crippling Daddy issues).

But KFC South Africa's latest advert involving the World Cup is much better taste, and I'm not just talking about the food. In what was probably an inevitable twist on that last video, KFC took a very familiar sight at this World Cup, and turned it into something decidedly Finger Lickin' Good:

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He just doesn't. Stop. Rolling. We're used to KFC knocking it out of the park with their weird yet wonderful marketing ploys, but even for them, this is pretty awesome. Whatever happens in the showcase final later on this month, I for one won't be forgetting this World Cup in a hurry, and with the help of KFC and Neymar, I doubt you will either.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is due to kick off at the Estadio Bonarte in Mexico City on June 11, but fans of some nations may face some trouble if they're traveling to any games in the US.

Back in June 2025, the Trump Administration provided a list of 75 countries whose citizens were handed "suspended immigrant visa processing."

It's made the travel situation more stressful, with many countries' fans left in limbo with just one week to go until the tournament kicks off.

The tournament is taking place across the North American continent, with the US, Canada, and Mexico hosting games.

However, the majority of games, including the final, will be played on American soil.

So, with the biggest tournament in world soccer fast approaching, how will Trump's immigration restrictions affect those looking to make the trek to the US?

The Trump administration may have caused an issue at this summer's World Cup. Credit: Anadolu / Getty

Why has the US suspended Immigrant Visa Processing?

A footballer has already fallen victim to the US' new visa restrictions, as Swiss forward Breel Donald Embolo couldn't fly to the US with the squad after his ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) was denied.

However, it is believed that this was due to a criminal case from his home nation in 2023, as he was found guilty of making multiple threats, and he was also given a suspended fine following an altercation back in 2018.

It isn't clear if similar issues have taken place on a wider scale yet, but with the World Cup fast approaching, fans are bracing themselves.

The move to suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries is expected to have numerous effects, having first been implemented in January 2026.

As one of the biggest changes to US immigration practices under the Trump administration, it was decided to reduce legal immigration by restricting entry for individuals from countries deemed likely to rely on public assistance.

It has primarily affected applicants from a number of regions such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

Luckily, this suspension should not affect non-immigrant visas such as those for tourism or business travel, which will continue to be processed.

Trump's policies could affect fans of World Cup nations. Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The 75 affected countries

The full list of nations affected by the move includes several countries with a range of political, economic, and security conditions.

These countries have been affected by immigrant visa processing:

1. Afghanistan
2. Albania
3. Algeria
4. Antigua and Barbuda
5. Armenia
6. Azerbaijan
7. Bahamas
8. Bangladesh
9. Barbados
10. Belarus
11. Belize
12. Bhutan
13. Bosnia and Herzegovina
14. Brazil
15. Myanmar
16. Cambodia
17. Cameroon
18. Cape Verde
19. Colombia
20. Côte d'Ivoire
21. Cuba
22. Democratic Republic of the Congo
23. Dominica
24. Egypt
25. Eritrea
26. Ethiopia
27. Fiji
28. The Gambia
29. Georgia
30. Ghana
31. Grenada
32. Guatemala
33. Guinea
34. Haiti
35. Iran
36. Iraq
37. Jamaica
38. Jordan
39. Kazakhstan
40. Kosovo
41. Kuwait
42. Kyrgyzstan
43. Laos
44. Lebanon
45. Liberia
46. Libya
47. North Macedonia
48. Moldova
49. Mongolia
50. Montenegro
51. Morocco
52. Nepal
53. Nicaragua
54. Nigeria
55. Pakistan
56. Republic of the Congo
57. Russia
58. Rwanda
59. St Kitts and Nevis
60. St Lucia
61. St Vincent and the Grenadines
62. Senegal
63. Sierra Leone
64. Somalia
65. South Sudan
66. Sudan
67. Syria
68. Tanzani
69. Thailand
70. Togo
71. Tunisia
72. Uganda
73. Uruguay
74. Uzbekistan
75. Yemen

Once again, fans for all but one nation seem to be safe from visa restrictions, as this list only covers those looking to secure immigration status to the US.

The only nation whose fans may face trouble is the Ivory Coast.

According to Fragomen, it was listed in January as a country whose non-immigrant visa issuance was suspended in the B, F, M, and J visa classifications, for temporary visitors, students, and exchange visitors.

For nationals of the other 19 countries, the new proclamation suspends immigrant visa issuance, as well as nonimmigrant visa issuance in only the B, F, M, and J visa classifications for temporary visitors, students, and exchange visitors.

In a positive move, the Trump administration confirmed that ticket-holding supporters from Algeria, Cape Verde, the Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia will be exempt from the requirement to post a visa deposit, from May this year.

Featured image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images