shakira — GB news

Shakira will headline a free concert on Copacabana Beach on May 2, 2026, with organizers expecting more than two million fans to attend. This event not only highlights her enduring popularity but also her deep connection with football.

During a recent visit to Maracanã Stadium, Shakira received jerseys from both Fluminense and Flamengo—two of Brazil’s most beloved football clubs. “Oh, thank you so much! For my children. There’s one from Fluminense and Flamengo,” she exclaimed, showcasing her affection for the sport.

Shakira’s relationship with football is well-documented; she has sung two official World Cup songs: “Waka Waka” for the 2010 World Cup and “La La La” for the 2014 tournament. These anthems have become synonymous with the global celebration of the sport.

The concert is part of the larger initiative called Todo Mundo No Rio 2026, aimed at engaging fans in the lead-up to the World Cup. This initiative reflects Brazil’s vibrant culture and its love for football.

Observers are intrigued by how this event will unfold. Will it be a mere spectacle, or will it deepen Shakira’s ties to Brazilian football? Given her past contributions to World Cup music, many speculate it could be both.

Hannah Whitfield

Hannah Whitfield

Sports Reporter

As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”