Shakira celebrated Colombia’s 1-0 win over DR Congo backstage during her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour, highlighting her visible bond with the national team as Colombia sits unbeaten in the 2026 World Cup group stage. The global star — who performed 'Dai Dai' at the tournament opening and previously gave the World Cup 'Waka Waka' — watched from Dallas as Colombia prepares for a decisive showdown with Portugal for top spot in the group.
Shakira cheers as Colombia maintains perfect start at 2026 World Cup
Shakira’s backstage celebration after Colombia’s 1-0 victory over DR Congo underscored a larger narrative: a national team riding growing momentum and global attention.
The singer, on her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour, reacted exuberantly after learning the result in Dallas, reinforcing the symbolic tie between Colombia’s football fortunes and its most famous cultural export.
The moment backstage
Backstage joy is rarely news in sports, but when it comes from a performer of Shakira’s stature it becomes part of the tournament story. Her elation was pointed, immediate and public — a reminder that national pride travels with the squad even when supporters are continents away.
Colombia’s campaign so far
Colombia has won each of its opening group-stage matches, defeating Uzbekistan and then DR Congo 1-0. Those results have the South American side unbeaten and well-positioned heading into the final group fixture against Portugal. The team’s early form suggests confidence and a pragmatic defensive solidity that has carried them through two tense matches.
Why Shakira’s involvement matters
Shakira’s link to World Cup culture dates to 2010’s Waka Waka; in 2026 she again contributed, performing 'Dai Dai' at the opening ceremony and seeing the song chart on the Billboard Hot 100. That continuity matters: her presence amplifies Colombia’s visibility, helps shape narratives around the team, and keeps global attention trained on a squad seeking deeper tournament progress.
What’s at stake vs Portugal
The final group game against Portugal will decide the winner. Colombia can secure top spot with a draw or win; Portugal must beat the South Americans to overtake them after drawing with DR Congo. Tactically, this is a demanding test: Portugal’s technical quality and depth will probe Colombia’s defensive organization and midfield control. Colombia’s response will reveal whether their early resilience can scale up against a top-tier opponent.
What this means going forward
Colombia’s blend of momentum and cultural spotlight makes them one of the tournament’s more compelling under-the-radar stories. A strong result against Portugal would validate their group-stage form and shift media and opponent focus. For Shakira, continued victories create more high-profile moments that fuse sport and culture — a soft-power advantage that keeps Colombia in the conversation beyond the pitch.
Outlook
This matchup is more than tournament math; it’s a test of Colombia’s ability to translate early momentum into knockout-stage credibility.
Expect a tightly contested affair where discipline and experience determine who advances as group winner. Shakira’s celebrations are emblematic: a nation watching closely, buoyed by music and results alike.
New York Post
