An opening ceremony packed with stars, featuring performances by Shakira, Maná, or J Balvin, kicked off the 2026 World Cup in front of over 80,000 spectators at the renovated Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The Colombian star performed 'Dai Dai' alongside Nigerian Burna Boy, and as the curtain fell on the artists, fireworks lit up the sky of the Mexican capital.
However, after the show, thousands of virtual voices flooded social media, mainly questioning whether the performer from Barranquilla could be the one on stage.
Many users noted that she looked "different" or "unrecognizable" in some TV shots.
Other criticisms focused on some parts of the performance appearing prerecorded. Although such accusations are not new in Shakira's major shows; they have surfaced in previous performances like the Super Bowl or large events.
In Latin America, 'Shakibecca' has become very famous, a Venezuelan impersonator who bears a striking resemblance to the singer.
In recent months, she has been mistaken for Shakira at public events and concerts, sparking numerous jokes and theories on social media.
Following the World Cup ceremony, some users revived this story and began to suggest, both seriously and humorously, that the person on stage could be the impersonator: "A Temu Shakira".
The media covering the controversy mainly present it as a reaction from social media, not as a substantiated suspicion. For instance, several reports highlight that the performance divided opinions and that some viewers questioned the vocals or the quality of the ceremony, but none provide evidence that the artist was a double.
As of now, there is no credible information indicating that the person who performed at Estadio Azteca was not Shakira herself.
Until proven otherwise, the singer is the only one who has performed at four FIFA World Cups (Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, and Mexico-Canada-USA 2026).